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IN A 

MEMOIR 

OF 

MR. JOHN CLEMENT, 

SURGEON, 

LATE OF WEYMOUTH; 

WHO DIED IN THE TWENTIETH YEAR OF HIS AGE. 
COMPILED FROM HIS 

LETTERS AND DIARY, 

AND INTERSPERSED WITH OCCASIONAL REFLEXIONS. 



BY 



JOHN HOOPER, M. A, 



Jam quidem iD flore ynimo tantas indolis juveais extlnctus est, summa conse-i 
quuturus si virtutes ejus maturisscn-t, quo il!e studiorum amore fiagrabat? 
quantum legit? quantum etiam scripsit? — Pliny, 



Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord. — Paul. 



lonrson : 

Printed by James Giilet, Crown-court, Fleet-street; 
AND SOLD BY HATCHARD, PICCADILLY; SEELEY, FLEET- 
STREET; WILLIAMS, STATIONERS'-COURT; AND 
CONDER, BUCKLERSBURY. 



1813. 



J3 FT/^ir 
. Csi He 



TO 



THOMAS CLEMENT, Esq. & Mrs. MARY CLEMENT, 

THE HONOURED PARENTS OF THE SUBJECT OF 
THE FOLLOWING MEMOIR, 



THE REV. B. CRACKNELL, D.D. 

HIS MUCH ESTEEMED PASTOR* 

My Dear Friends, 

At your repeated and earnest request 1 
undertook to compile the following Memoir ; 
and having at length, after many interrup- 
tions, occasioned by numerous professional 
engagements, brought it to a completion, to 
whom can I dedicate it with greater propriety 
than to you P To you he was very dear whilst 
living, and by you the remembrance of him is 
fondly cherished now that lie is no more. 

You, who stood in the nearest and most 
endearing relation to our young friend, may, 
arid ought to deem yourselves highly honoured 



IV DEDICATION. 

in having been the parents of suck a son. 
Severe was the stroke, and deeply felt, by 
which you were deprived of him ; and though 
the hand of time has in part healed up the 
wound, yet, doubtless it occasionally bleeds 
afresh, when you call to mind his various ex- 
cellencies. Great indeed was your loss, seeing 
he was an only so?i, and one who promised 
amply to repay all your cares, anxieties, and 
expense, by becoming a source of comfort 
to you in advanced life; but what to you 
was loss, to him was infinite gain. The 
perusal of the following pages, will excite in 
you the mingled feelings of pleasure and of 
pain ; whilst you trace his moral features here 
delineated, you will doubtless occasionally 
feel deep regret, and heave an involuntary 
sigh, to think that you, and thai the world 
were so soon deprived of so much excellence ; 
whilst on the other hand it will be a source of 
pleasure, to think that he attained to so much 
eminence, and did so much good, during the 
short space of his existence here below, and 
that now, though dead, he yet lives, and 
speaks, and affords to mortals important 
instruction, teaching them how to live honour \ 
ably and usefully, and how to die triumph- 



DEDICATION. 



antly. If the contemplation of the moral 
portrait of one so dear, shall tend in the least 
to diminish your sorrows, and augment your 
joys, I shall deem myself amply repaid for all 
my trouble in selecting and arranging, so as 
to give as faithful a representation as pos- 
sible. May David's consolation be yours, 
may you with him be enabled to anticipate 
with pleasure the hour of your own dissolution, 
as the period which shall reunite your happy 
spirits to his, never to separate more. 

You, my dear Sir, the much esteemed 
pastor of our departed young friend, whilst 
you mourn the loss of such an amiable friend, 
such an attentive hearer of the word, and so 
valuable a member of your church, may yet 
rejoice to think that you were honoured in 
being usesul, as an instrument, in instructing 
and establishing his mind, and in training 
him up for glory. Nor is this a solitary in* 
stance wherein your ministerial labours have 
been blessed to the young; you have had from 
this interesting class, many seals to your 
ministry, and some who are ?ioio occupying 
important stations in the church of Christ, 
acknowledge you as a spiritual father. Per- 
mit me, my dear Sir, to embrace this oppor- 
a 3 



VI DEDICATION. 

tunity of making my personal acknowledg- 
ments ■, and returning you personal thanks. 
May the benediction of the Most High rest 
on all your ministerial labours, may you be 
growingly useful to young and old, and, after 
having turned many to righteousness, may 
you shine as a star of the first magnitude in 
the kingdom of Heaven, for ever and ever. 

J. H. 

Mile-End Gree», 
March, 18W, 



PREFACE. 



The following Memoir of a very valuable 
youth is with much diffidence and respect 
presented to the public, and solicits their 
attention ; and it is hoped, that a careful 
perusal of it will leave a salutary impression 
on the mind. In the present day, the press is 
teeming with works whose tendency is to 
vitiate and corrupt the minds of our youth. 
Works of fiction and romance are making 
unfavorable impressions, giving a wrong 
bias, leading astray from the sober useful 
walks of life into the airy regions of fancy, 
unfitting many for the regular discharge of 
necessary and important duties, and rendering 
them tiresome burdens to themselves, and 
useless lumber in society. The patrons of 
infidelity are either openly or covertly con- 
veying deadly poison to the youthful mind, 
by endeavouring to annihilate the distinction 
between virtue and vice ; — by relaxing the 
obligation of the law of God ; — by under- 



Vlll PREFACE. 

mining the authority of revealed truth ; — by 
representing divine institutions as the result 
of policy and priestcraft, and all who pay any 
regard to them as enthusiasts or fools ; — by 
dressing up vice in the gaudy attire of a 
harlot to allure the thoughtless — and by cari- 
caturing virtue, stripping her of her native 
charms, and beautiful proportions, and giving 
her an uncouth and an unlovely appearance-, 
to excite ridicule and disgust : while the 
patrons of vice and infidelity are thus busily 
employed on the one hand, it is the duty of 
those who are friends to virtue, and to revealed 
truth to supply an antidote ; to exhibit genu- 
ine virtue, not in an unembodied, philosophic 
form merely, but to exhibit her alive and in 
action, to display her beauties, and point out 
her advantages, in the character which she 
forms, and the happiness which she imparts. 
This is the design of the following pages; 
here the excellence of religion will be seen 
in its influence on the character, consi- 
dered as filial, social, professional, intel- 
lectual, moral, and religious; here will be seen 
the possibility of uniting piety and ration- 
ality, — seriousness and cheerfulness, — true 
devotion and every thing that is lovely and 



PREFACE. ]X 

amiable, — diligence in business, and fervour 
of spirit in serving the Lord : here it will be 
seen, that a submission of the understanding 
to the humbling truths of the gospel, and a 
subjection of the heart to its holy precepts, 
are quite compatible with general philan- 
thropy, true patriotism, and intellectual 
pursuit; and it ought to put to the blush, 
and for ever to silence those, who calumniate 
evangelical religion as the fruitful parent of 
every thing that is unlovely in itself and pre- 
judicial to the best interests of society. 

The world has already been favored with 
memoirs of eminent young men. And it may 
be asked what need of any addition ? In 
reply to such a question, it is presumed that 
this work is not superseded by any of the 
kind already published. Seeing it occupies 
different ground, or rather fills up in the 
same department that which before was un- 
occupied. In the memoirs of Kirk White, 
we see an eminent and a pious youth secluded 
from the world, and devoted to literary pur- 
suits. In the memoirs of Gilpin, we see 
an amiable youth nursed on the lap of parental 
affection, removed from every care, having 
every wish anticipated, every want supplied, 



PREFACE. 



and so of the rest. But in the memoirs of a 
Clement, we see a youth leaving the bosom 
of parental indulgence, departing from under 
the wing of parental care, going into the 
wide world, engaging in the duties of a labo- 
rious profession, in a situation where he was 
exposed to great temptations; yet, amidst all, 
resisting temptation, discharging his nume- 
rous duties with fidelity and diligence, secur- 
ing some time for intellectual pursuits, but, 
above all, cultivating true piety, maintaining 
the fervour of devotion in his closet, walking 
humbly and closely with God before the 
world, and rising to eminence as a pious, 
devoted youth. 

Some little time has elapsed since the death 
of our young friend, during which his memoir 
has been anxiously expected by those who 
knew and esteemed him. It is needless to 
offer any apology, or to detail the various 
causes by which the publication has been 
retarded. What would have been interesting 
and useful if published immediately on his 
decease, may, it is hoped, yet be so ; the 
great body of useful instruction remains the 
same, although a little lapse of time may 
have caused the charms of noveltv to vanish. 



PREFACE. XI 

But it is not of so much importance to en- 
quire when he died, as it is to see how he 
died, and to examine what it was that en- 
abled him to depart so happily and so 
triumphantly. 

If any benefit shall be reaped from the 
perusal of the following pages, if any young 
man, especially, any of the same profession 
shall be led to adopt the maxims, and culti- 
vate the spirit of young Clement, the compiler 
will think that he has not laboured in vain, 
and God shall have all the glory and praise . 



MEMOIR, 

SfC Sfc. 



John Clement, the subject of this memoir, was 
the son of Thomas Clement, Esq., collector of excise, 
and was born at Greenwich on the 10th of September, 
1786. Being an only child, and blessed with affec- 
tionate and pious parents, as might be expected, the 
greatest concern was manifested for the welfare of 
their son; and the success which attended their 
endeavors frill be fully, and, it is hoped, satisfactorily 
unfolded in the sequel. To them was fulfilled, in 
a remarkable manner, that encouraging promise: 
H Train up a child in the way in which he should go; 
and when he is old he will not depart from it.* 

It has been frequently observed, that the ma- 
ternal character is of greater importance, and is more 
intimately connected with the character and welfare 
of the offspring, than the paternal; and happy is that 
youth who is blessed with a sensible and a pious 

B 



i 

mother. In this respect, young Clement was 
highly favoured. He had a mother, on whom, though 
still living, I cannot forbear pronouncing an eulogy; 
whose general excellence and maternal tenderness 
yielded to nothing, except her eminent piety and 
devotedness to God. 

When our young friend was about a month old, 
his parents were removed to Bristol, where they con- 
tinued about eight years. There the foundation was 
laid, on which his future excellence was built. To 
the instructions, the prayers, and the example of his 
parents, must be attributed, under God, the forma- 
tion of that amiable character, which he afterwards 
manifested through the short period of his existence, 
(alas, how short!) in every gelation, domestic and 
social; in the church and in the world. 

The next place to which Providence directed his 
parents, wasWareham in Dorsetshire; there he first 
became acquainted with the Rev. Dr. Cracknel], and 
a strong mutual attachment was formed, which con- 
tinued till the death of this interesting youth. Soon 
after his arrival here, there is an anecdote recorded 
of him, which displays the attention with which, at 
that early period, he listened to the word of God, 
and the practical effect it produced. After hearing 
two sermons from 1 Cor. x. 13., in which glorifying 
God in all the pursuits of life had been strongly en- 
forced, he retired with a mind deeply impressed. 



After some time, he addressed bis mother, and said : 
"You have of my pocket-money half a guinea : half 
that sum I will give to Mr. C. to purchase religious 
tracts, to distribute among the poor people in the 
villages where be preaches :" adding, " I do not this 
to obtain the praise of men. No; in this case, I 
would not let my left hand know what my right hand 
doeth. I would do it entirely to the glory of God." 
The money was applied according to his desire; and 
a proposal so benevolent and pious afforded a happy 
presage of future usefulness, and must have been 
highly gratifying to his parents and bis minister. 

During his residence at Wareham, which was 
nearly five years, he was placed under the tuition of 
the Rev. Mr. Kell. From Wareham his friends 
removed to Poole, where his literary pursuits were 
directed by the Rev. Mr. Lamport; thus he enjoyed 
the advantages of a liberal education. With a mind 
ardent in the pursuit of knowledge, he made con- 
siderable proficiency in the several branches of 
science to which his attention was directed. Amongst 
his MSS. appears a literal translation of Horace, 
ode i. book i. Mcecenas at avis, &c. ; which, though 
as a whole it may not be able to endure the scrutiny 
of a Bentleian eye, displays considerable judgment 
and taste ; but, perhaps, his greatest attainments were 
t in the French language. He continued at school till 
about sixteen years of age, when parental prudence 
dictated the propriety of choosing some employment. 



Being consulted as to persona] wishes and inclina- 
tions, and manifesting an attachment to the medical 
profession, an opportunity was embraced, which 
offered itself at Weymouth. He went on trial for & 
month to Mr. Bryer, surgeon ; and at the end of this 
period, appearing highly delighted with the profes- 
sion, he was bound to serve an apprenticeship of five 
years — But higher destinies awaited him. For about 
three years, he continued to discharge the duties 
devolving on him with the greatest assiduity and 
fidelity, manifesting the most intense ardour in the 
pursuit of general knowledge and professional emi- 
nence, but especially of that knowledge which is 
connected with salvation. Aiming to seize every 
opportunity of doing good, and exhibiting such a 
bright constellation of excellencies, it is no wonder 
that he excited general attention in the sphere in 
which he moved, and became the object of universal 
esteem ; but his course, though brilliant, was short. 
He was arrested by the arm of death, and soon re- 
moved to shine in a higher sphere. 

From the perusal of his writings, a good idea may 
be formed of his character ; and a faithful portrait 
cannot fail of making a favourable impression, and 
exciting a wish to be like him. To hold up this por- 
trait, to inspire this wish, to engage in the pursuit 
of similar excellence, is the design of the present 
memoir. To effect this, he will be presented in dif- 
ferent lights and in various attitudes : in other words^ 



he will be exhibited in various relations and cha- 
racters : in his filial, social, professional, intellectual, 
moral, and religious character. From these views it 
will be seen in what manner he discharged the three- 
fold division of duties, devolving on every rational 
and moral agent : the duties he owed to himself, to 
his fellow-creatures, and to God. 



s rl 



CHAPTER I. 

HIS FILIAL CHARACTER. 

We shall first view him in a relation the most 
intimate and endearing, the filial. As a son he ma- 
nifested those dispositions, and displayed those excel- 
lencies, which render him a model worthy of imita- 
tion. From his childhood he was very obedient, and 
careful to please; insomuch, that his mother declared, 
in a letter which she wrote to a friend after his 
decease, when busy memory was recalling the idea 
of departed worth, that she never had occasion to say 
to him, " John, why do you do so?" Having been 
always brought up under the inspection of kind 
parents, he was well instructed in his duty ; and 
having, under their fostering wing, experienced for 
many years their assiduous attention, he was fully 
acquainted with parental worth. When he left home, 
and embarked on the ocean of life, he carried with 
him a mind imbued with good principles, and a heart 
overflowing with filial affection. Various extracts 
made from his letters and diary, manifest submission, 
gratitude, strong affection, high esteem, and desire 
to please, which he ever discovered. As he advanced 
in life, instead of throwing off restraint, he was all 
submission and paid the greatest deference to his 



parents, consulting them in every thing relating to 
his expenses, not venturing to purchase any article 
without permission, readily yielding when his pro- 
posals were not approved, and in all his expenditures 
observing the greatest ceconomy. <( Be so kind as to 
give me your opinion," said he on one occasion, 
when consulting his mother on the propriety of pur- 
chasing some article; " as i would not wish to do any 
thing without consulting you, give me leave to ask 
your advice, whether it would be better for me to 
purchase the things necessary here, or for you to do 
it as usual?" In another letter, after requesting some 
books and surgical instruments, he says, " If it will 
not be intruding too much upon good nature, may I 
be permitted to send for a French Bible, with notes 
and observations to each chapter? If you think this 
too much at once, I will willingly wait- to any period." 
Such was his uniform language, marked with the 
greatest submission and deference to parental autho- 
rity. 

His gratitude towards his parents was overflowing, 
and expressed in varied and animated language. 
Soon after his departure from home, he wrote thus: 
" I bless God that you have been able to give me a 
classical education, which I hope I shall improve to 
the best advantage." In another letter he says : " I 
am very happy that I can afford you some pleasure, 
and I hope I shall one day or other be the joy of 
your old age: I pray God that he may never suffer 



me to bring down your grey hairs with sorrow to the 
grave." — " T am much indebted lu you for the kind- 
ness you are continually shewing me; and only regret 
that I cannot repay you. I will endeavour to gain 
as much medical knowledge as I can." On a sub- 
sequent occasion he thus expresses himself: " I have 
been looking over my account this morning, and find 
that I have expended an enormous sum : it is enough 
to make me tremble, and enquire, what returns I can 
make to such kind parents. I have nothing to give 
you for the tenderness and compassion you have 
always shewn me. All I can do, and that I will do 
in a most earnest manner, is, to supplicate God, the 
giver of every good gift, to bestow upon you, not 
only temporal favours, but eternal life." In another 
letter he expresses himself thus : "I can never be 
grateful enough for you : you, my dear parents, are 
doing all you can to stir me up to activity, and to 
make me happy. May 1 not be wanting on my 
part!" In animated language, on another occasion, 
he says ; " Words are inadequate of themelves to 
express my gratitude to you, for the kindness and 
indulgence which you are ever manifesting towards 



Whilst he felt grateful to his parents, he held them 
in very high esteem, and frequently made honourable 
mention of their varied excellencies. In a letter 
addressed to his mother, he thus expresses himself: 
" I have great reason to bless God on your account. 



Yon, 1 hope, have been an instrument, in his hand, 
of making me acquainted with the truth as it is in 
Jesus. O what a great thing it is to have godly 
parents!" And in another letter: " What an ines- 
timable blessing is it to have kind friends; such 
friends as ray clear parents! The consideration of 
your watchfulness and care over me, while in the 
slippery paths of youth ; the golden mean which you 
took to train me up, not with all that severity which 
produces fear, but with all that mild authority which 
enkindles leve, makes me leap for joy, and fills me 
with gratitude to that Providence which directed mv 
path." In another letter, which, both as to sentiment 
and composition, deserves to be inserted as a whole, 
he says: " I coincide with you, that my best friends 
are at Poole. What should I do without you? Alas! 
feeble and weak as I am, I should be thrown on the 
world's wide stage, to contend with all its terrors and 
disagreeables; and after struggling sometime, might, 
perhaps, fall at last. But I desire to be thankful to 
God and to you. To God, for prolonging your lives ; 
to you, for that support, assistance and direction, as 
well as the love, tenderness, and parental affection-, 
you daily evince. May I ever act worthy of such 
parents as you are. May I never do any thing to 
disturb your peace; but ever be watchful to please, 
reverence, and obey you. Words cannot express my 
gratitude .... What can actuate you to be always 
kind, compassionate, and mindful r Oh, may I ever 
follow your bright example ! may I always posses* 



10 

thai mildness of disposition, and that suavity of man- 
ners, which shine so eminently in you !" In another 
very excellent letter, he thus gives vent to bis feel- 
ings . " What shall I say for your kind attention, in 
regarding my wants so soon ? I need not ask what I 
shall say, because all 1 can say is, to thank you in the 
most unfeigned, undissembled manner; but your 
favours, so numerous, so often repeated, seem to 
require something more than the word thanks, though 
it may be accompanied with all the tender sensibi- 
lities of a dutiful son to his kind and indulgent 
parents. Indeed, to speak the truth, I am almost 
tired of monotonizing the word thanfa ; but I have 
nothing better to offer." He then indulges in a train 
of reflections on %he wisdom and goodness of God, 
in providing a source of affection in the breast of the 
mother toward her infant offspring; and adds: u it 
is this love which actuates you to provide for me ; 
and, with such continued beneficence, to load me 
with every comfort that renders my life happy. Thus 
I think I have explained the cause of your goodness 
to me, not only in granting me food and raiment con- 
venient for me, but in giving me the means of fur- 
nishing and adorning that noble faculty, the under- 
standing. The benefit arising from this is mutual. 
If you had bestowed every thing that heart could 
wish, and had withheld my invaluable education, and 
the bright example you set before me, I might have 
had no regard for you. I might have treated you 
with disdain, and contemned your authority. 1 might 



11 

have given you unspeakable pain, and ruined myself 
My dear parents, with such a view I cannot be too. 
grateful. Accept my feeble efforts to convince you 
what motives actuate me to love, esteem, venerate, 
and obey you ; which I shall do to the latest period 
of my life." 

On returning to Wej r mouth, after having been at 
home some time for the recovery of his health, he 
represents himself in his diary, as having come from 
kind parents, " who are attentive to every complaint; 
ready to bestow every thing that may render life 
comfortable; happy in themselves; cheerful, com- 
passionate, and kind to all ; who wish every one to 
partake of what they possess;" and, to crown the 
whole, " who fear God." 

In a letter addressed to his mother not Ions before 
his death, he expresses his affectionate regard, and 
anxious concern for his father, in the following beau- 
tiful and affecting manner : " I am now by the side 
of a comfortable fire, which conveys a genial warmth, 
surrounded with every comfort, and I feel myself 
quite content. Where is my dear papa this evening? 
The wind blows, and the northern blast is conveying 
from its store all its treasures; perhaps my dear 
parent is exposed to this inclement weather, while I 
am thus enjoying myself con versing w r ith you. I think 
every day, when the wind beats, and the rain de- 
scends, whether he is exposed to it or doc. What 



12 

mercy that, notwithstanding his frequent exposures, 
he enjoys his health and such a degree of strength. 
I frequently consider how often he has been carried 
out, and returned in safety ; I hope I can say I am 
truly thankful ; and I have no doubt but that such a 
soul as his feels his obligations to the Almighty for 
all his goodness/' 

In one part of his diary, he indulges reflections on 
the probability of being deprived of his parents; and 
seems to think that such a dispensation would be 
quite insupportable, without extraordinary supplies 
of divine assistance : but this was a trial which he 
was never destined to experience. It was his lot to 
be summoned first. On his kind parents devolved 
the sad office of following to the silent tomb the 
mortal remains of an only, a dutiful, an affectionate, 
and a pious son, who promised to be an ornament to 
society, and a source of high satisfaction to his 
parents. But they are now bereaved, and are left to 
seek consolation in the exercise of devout resigna- 
tion ; in the firm persuasion that it is well with him ; 
in the satisfying recollection, that they discharged 
their duties with success; and in the animating 
hope of one day meeting, to part no more. 



13 

CHAPTER II. 

HIS SOCIAL CHARACTER. 

A mind so well formed, a soul so finely touched, 
might be expected to display its excellence in every 
relation. We pass from the filial to the social cha- 
racter of our young friend. Not only as a son, but 
as a friend, he appears in a very amiable light, and 
exhibits a model worthy of imitation. He held 
genuine friendship in high esteem, and had a soul 
formed for relishing its exquisite delights, and dis- 
charging its sacred duties. As a friend he was dis- 
tinguishecl, by his grateful sense of favours, by his 
sympathy under sorrow, and his readiness to do good ; 
by the ardour of his affections, and the sincerity of 
his heart. The price at which he valued friendship 
may be seen by the following extract from one of his 
letters : — l( What an inestimable blessing is it to have 
kind friends, to whom you can unbosom your hearts ; 
who are able and willing to relieve; who mourn 
when I mourn, and rejoice when 1 rejoice; whose 
hearts are made up of sympathy, and whose bowels 
yearn with love." 

When at school, he formed some attachments 
which were lasting. In the expectation of seeing some 
of his old school-fellows at Wevmouth, he savs : — « 

c 



14 

" I am looking forward, and anticipating the day 
when I shall once more see some of those who were 
school-fellows with me; and I shall behold them 
launched out into the ocean of life, and quitting them- 
selves like men ; but these skies are not without 
clouds, and those of the blackest kind." 

He felt grateful to his. preceptor ; and expressed 
a willingness to do any thing in return for the 
care he had taken to instruct him in the funda- 
mental principles of literature. While at Poole, 
he found a valuable and a faithful friend in a Mr. 
James, # then resident there, with whom he con- 
tinued to correspond, and on whose letters he set 
a high value. " Words cannot express my gra- 
titude, and the pleasure which I feel," says he, 
" when I receive a letter from you. The letters 
which you have from me are not worth reading ; but 
yours to me are an invaluable treasure. I would not 
part with the joy I feel, when reading your epistles, 
for the riches of the Indies. This joy is inexpressible. 
The advantage I reap is more to me than that con- 
temptible wealth : it relates to the soul, which is of 
more value than ten thousand worlds." Expecting 
soon to see his friend, he says : " I look forward with 
pleasure to the period when I shall have the privilege 
of receiving my friend James into my arms, at this 
place. It will be the highest gratification to me to 
enjoy the conversation of one so nearly allied to me, 
in the bonds of Christian friendship. 

* The Rev. J. James, Birmingham. 



15 

Having received an account of the dangerous ill- 
ness of his friend in his next letter, lie writes thus : 
" I have read many experiences, but none has affected 
me so much as yours : and how is it possible to think 
upon the sufferings of one, between whom and my- 
self the closest ties of friendship subsist, without 
being affected, and without mingling my tears with 
hisi Can I behold him cast on a bed of sickness, 
tossing to and fro in all the agonies of pain, and 
calling out in the morning, would God it were even- 
ing ? Can I still draw the curtain farther back, and 
behold the apothecary's art in vain ? But, oh! can I 
still proceed, and see a mortal paleness seizing him, 
and the pangs of death taking hold of him, and not 
stand motionless ? And could I then refrain from, 
casting myself on my knees, and imploring the all- 
gracious God in his behalf? No, my friend, no. 
Had I seen you in your distress, I should have retired 
into my closet, and there should T have disclosed the 
whole of my heart." Such was the truly pious and 
affectionate strain in which he unbosomed his feelings 
to his friend. 

When at Weymouth, he was beloved by all who 
knew him ; and he attached to himself many friends, 
who valued his company and conversation, and fre- 
quently applied to him for advice in difficulties, or 
consolation under sorrow. It was his delight to asso- 
ciate with others for the purpose of mutual benefit. 
" At half past eight," he observes in his diary, " I 



16 

Was called away by a friend, with whom I conversed 
till ten, and found great pleasure in the proposal 
which he made concerning an institution which I 
shall, by divine assistance, as far as I am able, for- 
ward with perseverance and diligence." In another 
place he writes : " I met some young friends, when 
we formed ourselves into a society for conversing with 
each other on religious subjects., This concluded with a 
prayer, and we broke up." 

He also engaged in teaching at a Sunday school; 
and with what feelings^ may be judged by the 

following extract from his diary:- " Another 

duty is devolving on me; the instruction of 
youth. May I have assistance from God ; and 
then I shall find it a delightful task, ' to teach the 
young idea how to shoot;' to be the means of con- 
vincing one youth of his sins, and making him a 
serious character — Perhaps that youth may be instru- 
mental in turning many to righteousness." In him 
the needy and the afflicted found a sincere friend. 
After noticing in his diary a case of distress, to which 
his attention had been directed, he says : " Blessed 
be God, if he is giving me ability, in some measure, 
to help the distressed, and a heart to feel for them." 
When some intimate friend was severely afflicted, he 
observed in his diary: "This morning I wrote a letter 
to my dear afflicted friend, expressing my concern, 
and at the same time my joy> on account of her 
pleasing submission. O how comfortable is it to 



17 

reflect on having alleviated, in the smallest matter, 
the distresses of a friend ! May I at all times prove 
myself a friend ! From eight till nine in the evening 
visited my friend ; and oh ! what inexpressible plea- 
sure did it afford me to see one so young in the ways 
of God prepared to meet death. 

On hearing of the dangerous illness of another 
valuable friend, he says, in a letter to his parents, 
" I am exceedingly sorry for the state of Mrs. B., and 
am loth to have her torn away by the resistless hand 
of death ; but when I take into the account the happy 
state of her mind, the composure of her spirits, and 
her possessing by faith in Christ living supports in 
dying moments; when I view again the glories laid 
up in store for her, I cannot, with satisfaction to 
myself, pray for her restoration to health, knowing- 
it is far better for her to be absent from the body, 
and to be present with the Lord. Therefore, though 
I shall lose a valuable friend, yet, on these conditions, 
I would rather she entered into the mansion prepared 
for her, than dwell here, where troubles are, as it 
w r ere, our meat and drink, and as to having her loss 
made up, I would leave that with God." 

Any attentions shewn him, or favours conferred 
on him, were not received with self-adulation, or 
sullen indifference: they were sure to meet with 
returns of grateful acknowledgment and lasting re- 
membrance. He did not live unto himself; the 

c 3 



18 

feelings of his soul were continually going forth in 
affection, gratitude, and sympathy : and he was 
never more in his element, than when employed -in 
devising or executing some benevolent plan. 

He had the happiness to meet with two friends, who 
were fully sensible of }iis great worth, felt strongly 
attached to him, and were bent on promoting, by their 
advice and influence, his true interest, both as to 
temporal and spiritual things. One of them was his 
pastor, the Rev. Dr. Cracknel), of whom he ever 
spoke with great affection, and in terms of high 
commendation. The other was an eminent surgeon 
in London, who, to use his own expression, " loved 
him as a son," and who, had he lived, would have 
been of essential service to him in his profession. 
His kind attentions, and condescending regards, 
made an impression on the mind of young Clement, 
which nothing could efface ; and his liberal offers 
had excited in his breast a noble emulation in the 
pursuit of knowledge, to which, a wish to shew himself 
worthy of such a friend, added all the force of the 
most powerful stimulus. In a letter to his mother, 
soon after his first interview w 7 ith the above-men- 
tioned surgeon, he says : il A gentleman of the name 
of ^*^** ? one of the surgeons to the Loci? Hospital, 
has been here. He is acquainted with Mr. Crack- 
nel!, who has mentioned me to him ; and he has told 
Mr. C. that when I come to London, if I call on 
him, he will recommend me to some of the best lee- 



19 

turers; and, in a word, he will be a friend to rne. 
This is matter of joy to me, for I feel I shall want 
such a friend. Besides, this gentleman is, I believe, 
a good man." In another letter he writes : * I have 
had the pleasure of writing to Mr. *****, and like- 
wise of receiving a very polite letter from him. He 
hopes I shall not hesitate to write to him on any sub- 
ject, as he will at all times be happy to hear from 
me.. He says, he supposes I shall finish my medical 
course in London : and shall be very much disap- 
pointed if I do not call upon him when there. This 
inspires me with fresh vigour, and puts new strength 
in me to pursue my studies, and to get prepared, by 
hard study, to be introduced into such company as 
he is capable of introducing me into, that I ma}' not 
appear as a block of wood; but as an intelligent 
being." In another letter, after giving a long account 
of a conversation he had with Mr. *****^ respecting 
his present attainments and future prospects, he 
says: u I hope all these bright prospects will not be 
clouded by any misbehaviour of mine ; but that I 
may have wisdom to act so as not to disappoint the 
expectations of my friends; nor to betray the con- 
fidence reposed in me." In a subsequent letter he 
writes : " Mr. ***** does not forget me : he has 
sent me some Latin books, which he has bought 
very cheap. Here I have another friend ; one who, 
under God, I hope, will be ' the guide of my 
youth/ Oh, pray that so many instances of God's 
kindness to me may create gratitude to him, and to 
my benefactors." 



20 

Such was the social character of our young friend ; 
and from these few extracts it will appear, that as a 
friend he was sincere, ardent, kind, and grateful ; 
formed to attract, to please, to edify, and to bless ; 
alive to the real welfare of his friends, his country, 
and the world at large. 



51 



CHAPTER III. 

HIS PROFESSIONAL CHARACTER. 

From viewing him in his social, we pass on to 
consider him in his professional character : and in 
this he exhibits a pattern worthy of imitation; in 
bis fidelity as an apprentice, in his diligence as a 
student, and in his piety as a Christian. He entered 
on the study of his profession with great pleasure, 
and with a determination to excel ; and to his ardour 
and unremitted attention in the pursuit of medical 
and general knowledge, must be attributed the origin 
of that complaint which terminated his valuable life. 
Had his life been prolonged, he would, doubtless, 
have risen to eminence in his profession. Such an 
insatiable thirst for knowledge, joined with a strong 
attachment to medical pursuits, and a fixed determi- 
nation to excel, would have insured future celebrity. 
He brought to the work a mind well disciplined, and 
a heart renewed by divine grace ; and to see an ami- 
able, intelligent, and pious youth engaging in the 
study of medicine, is a pleasing sight, and augurs 
every thing desirable. Such an one promises to be- 
come a great blessing to mankind, by doing good, 
not only to the bodies, but to the souls of his fellow- 
creatures. What excellent opportunities are often 
presented to a pious surgeon, or physician, of con- 
veying the most important instruction to the mind, 



22 

kind of making deep and lasting impressions on the 
heart ; whilst prescribing for the removal of corpo- 
real maladies. It is to be deeply regretted, that the 
number who are piously disposed, when compared 
with those of an opposite character, is so small. Not 
that this is considered a peculiar characteristic of 
the medical profession : alas ! it is too much, the case 
in others. But in this, it is a matter of peculiar 
regret ; because they have to do with men in the 
most interesting and important moments; when, in 
general, the mind is open to conviction,, and the 
heart softened to receive impression ; and when, in 
many cases, access cannot be gained by him whose 
office it is to direct the inquirer, to restore the wan- 
derer, to encourage the penitent, and to comfort 
the mourner in Zion. It is most devoutly to be 
wished, that all our youth who are devoting them- 
selves to the study of the healing art were, like young 
Clement, deeply imbued with religious principle and 
feeling. Then, like him, they would habitually look 
to God for direction and success ; they would em- 
brace every opportunity of dropping a word in 
season, for the good of the soul, whilst prescribing for 
the body; and they would frequently be found in 
the attitude of suppliants, by the side of a sick or a 
dying bed. 

He soon commenced his career after he ar- 
rived at Weymouth. " On Wednesday," says he, 
in a letter to his friends , a few days after his 
arrival, " I began, by my own desire, pounding 



23 

some ginger. After that I made some pills, in- 
structed by Mr. Bryer ; the two following days 
have been employed in making pills, and getting 
acquainted with the different medicines." This 
piece of information, comparatively uninteresting in 
itself, becomes interesting by considering it as the 
first step of an ingenious youth in the road to scien- 
tific fame, on the same principle as we should be 
interested in seeing the first rude draughts of a Ra- 
phael, the first mathematical figure drawn by a 
.Newton, the first syllogism formed by a Locke, or 
the first book read by an Addison or a Johnson. 

As he advanced in his journey, and the field of 
medical science opened on his view, he was equally 
delighted and astonished. Every fresh acquisition, 
every new experiment, afforded him peculiar de- 
light. The curious workmanship of the human 
frame, which is so " fearfully and wonderfully made," 
particularly arrested his attention, and excited his 
admiration. With what enthusiastic ardour he en- 
gaged in anatomical pursuits, may be perceived from 
an account of his assisting in the dissection of a 
subject. " Since you were at Weymouth/' says he, in 
a letter to his parents, " I have handled the body of a 
human being, in order to see the internal parts. The 
first time I experienced this pleasure was on Saturday, 
February 5, 1803; aday which I hope will be remem- 
bered for some time to come. I only wish I had 
an opportunity of dissecting a body in a minute 



24 

manner. I am happy to say, that I experienced 
great pleasure in this employment; and, that though 
there was an intense frost that night, I felt nothing 
of the cold." In a similar strain, in a subsequent 
letter, he speaks of the pleasure he enjoyed in wit- 
nessing the dissection of an unhappy man, who was 
executed at Dorchester for murder. " I have brought 
a little of Smith with me: he was too valuable to 
leave all behind. I have his right hand, and have 
dissected it, so as to shew the mechanism of the 
hand, which is extremely beautiful. I shall keep 
this as a jewel; and intend writing an account of 
the murder, the circumstances of his death, &c„ and 
keeping it with the hand. I don't know when I 
enjoyed myself so much as I did at the dissection." 

Such language as this may, in the opinion of some, 
seem to betray a want of feeling. Aware of this 
himself, he endeavours to obviate such a supposition, 
by reminding his parents that the subjects were void 
of sensation ; and that great advantage would re- 
dound to the living from such operations. 

As he entered on his work with so much ardour, 
so he was anxious to make rapid advances, and to 
attain the highest point of eminence. He was not 
content to move at the usual pace ; hence we need 
not wonder to hear him frequently complaining of 
his small attainments. He was in the habit of making 
frequent retrospections, and of submitting himself to 



25 

self- scrutiny ; and, on such occasions, he generally 
adopted the language of self-reproach, of dissatisfac- 
tion, and of complaint. What others might have 
deemed considerable proficiency, to his ardent mind 
appeared trifling. 

On the review of his first six months, he thus 
writes : " This day completes six months of my resi- 
dence in this town. Oh, how solemnly ought I to 
examine myself, to ascertain what I have learned in 
this period. I have been too often negligent and 
dilatory in improving myself in that business which I 
have chosen. Six months have elapsed, and I am not 
able to perform the operation of venesection, or of 
extracting teeth. I have made no proficiency except 
a little in the art of pharmacy; but 1 hope I have 
not spent my time in doing nothing." In another 
letter he expresses himself thus : " I have great reason 
to lament the slow progress which I make in the pur- 
suit of knowledge. I am ashamed when I survey the 
past year, and even the past day, that I have added so 
small a portion to my scanty stock. I am daily 
wishing that I could devote more time to study. I 
know, that unless I apply now, I shall not in future, 
if spared, shine with any degree of lustre," 

To stimulate himself in the pursuit of knowledge, 
he adopted every method: he reproached himself; 
he reasoned ; he expostulated ; he resolved ; he prayed ; 
he placed full in his view the most eminent charac- 

D 



26 

ters ; and thus aimed at a lofty mark. In the course 
of his reading, he had met with a sketch of the cha- 
racter of a good surgeon ; which he transcribed, and 
examined, and applied to himself. When he found 
that he ought to be well acquainted with anatomy, 
medicine, and other parts of learning, he resolved to 
read and study more diligently "I hope," says he in 
a subsequent letter, "I shall be induced to devote 
my time to study, remembering that this is the seed- 
time of life. 

After reading an account of Drs. Fothergill, 
Colinson, and Russel, he says, " They appear to 
have been men of assiduity, whose characters, 
especially that of the latter, shone with great lustre. 
May I follow these great and learned men as far as 
my abilities will permit." At the close of a day, he 
thus writes in his diary : u May great diligence, 
assiduity, and intense study, together with the divine 
blessing, accompany me in that station to which God 
has been pleased to call me." In a subsequent part 
of his diary he thus writes : " Night is now encircling 
me with her sable robes : how has the day been spent ? 
Has it been characterized by diligence? Has God 
been thought of? Has improvement been made; any 
new ideas gained ? Slow is my progress ; very tardy 
are my steps in the pursuit of knowledge ; but, on a 
little examination, I can say, I have made some pro- 
gress; and, under the direction of a kind friend, 
whom Providence has raised up, I hope, if health be 



27 

continued, with perseverance, to make still further 
attainments. The vocation is difficult and laborious, 
yet useful to my fellow-creatures. If I succeed, let 
God have all the praise. May I look to him, and 
eye his hand." 

Such was his character for diligence and determi- 
mination; but there is another trait in his professional 
character, which exalts him to a yet higher pitch of 
excellence, and renders him an object worthy of uni- 
versal imitation. He was not only a diligent, but he 
was a pious student : he embraced every opportunity 
of doing good to the soul ; and he considered these 
opportunities as talents, for which, at last, he would 
have to give an account. On this subject, he ex- 
pressed his views and resolutions to a very intimate 
friend with whom he corresponded. " I have more 
opportunities of seeing the hand of God in his pro- 
vidence than many of my acquaintance : and if I do 
not improve them, I must answer for it in that day 
when God shall judge the world. God grant that I 
may not only be useful to the bodies, but to the souls 
of my fellow-creatures : when afflicted, may I con- 
verse with them respecting their immortal part; and 
may God bless the words that! may speak : ,? and with 
almost a presaging mind, he adds : u But whilst I am 
planning, the darts of death, which are flying thick 
around, may strike me; may I be prepared, when- 
ever God shall see fit to call me." In a subsequent 
letter to the same friend, who had now entered 
on a course of study preparatory to the ministry, he 



28 

says: "You, my dear friend, have an arduous work 
in view. May the Lord give you faith to believe his 
promises. You have vast fields to traverse; so have 
I. The further I advance, the more J perceive I 
have to do. The great point of difference between 
your profession and mine is, you have to deal with 
immortal souls; J, with the mortal part. But I 
would not be satisfied with relieving.the body; but 
while administering to the relief of sinking nature, 
may I drop a word for the instruction of those with 

whom I have to do " In his diary he writes thus: 

" I am, by the providence of God, called to the pro- 
fession of the healing art : how pleasant to a bene- 
ficent mind to relieve our fellow-mortals from the 
distresses under which they labour! But, oh, how 
much more pleasing to see one relieved from 
the burden of sin ; to be an instrument in the hand 
of God of bringing a soul, who was involved in the 
deepest misery to a state of happiness ; and, although 
this is not immediately my province, yet, may God 
grant, that, as opportunities offer of doing good to 
the souls of men, I may readily embrace them." 

In a subsequent part of his diary he says ; " I 
visited one in the last stage of a consumption. I con- 
versed with him on the concerns of his soul ; a friend 
who was with me engaged in prayer ; and he appealed 
to be very much satisfied with our company and con- 
versation, which was chiefly directing him to the 
Lamb of God." On the following day he writes: 
ij Visited the sick person of whom I spoke yesterday; 



29 

and have some faint hopes that our conversation has 
been blessed. Oh, what a call for gratitude, if we 
are made instrumental in directing a soul to the 
Lamb of God for eternal life." 

Such was the prevailing concern of his mind to 
do sood in the highest sense of the phrase. How 
much is it to be wished that there were more of the 
profession like-minded: but, alas! too many, instead 
of embracing these opportunities of doing good to 
the souls of their patients, studiously endeavour to 
prevent others who are disposed from being admitted 
into the sick room. On this subject I would speak 
with great caution. Doubtless there are seasons 
when, from the particular nature of the disease, or 
from a wish to ascertain the operation of some me- 
dicine, it is highly desirable that the mind should be 
kept in a state of composure as much as possible; 
and, if there be no immediate danger, the sick man 
should not be, for the present, disturbed. On this 
account, it is particularly desirable to have a medical 
attendant, who will act the part not only of a 
bodily, but of a spiritual physician. This will, in. 
many cases, render less necessary the introduction of 
a professed spiritual director, which to many is a for- 
midable thing ; and, from his knowledge of the dis- 
ease, and the operation of the medicine, he could 
seize those critical moments most favourable to spi- 
ritual inquiry and advice. 

d3 



30 

But, when medical attendants absolutely forbid 
the introduction of the Bible, and of serious con- 
versation ; when they prohibit the admission of him 
whose office it is to visit the sick and dying, to 
inquire into the slate of the heart, and to direct 
the thoughts to eternal things ; when they continue 
to make their experiments on the dying man, and 
suffer him to go out of the world without permitting 
any attempt to be made, with a view to the salvation 
of the soul, is it not to be feared that, in too many 
1 nstances, such cruel advisers are in close league with 
the enemy of souls ?* And, though it is a delicate 



* After penning the above remarks, the Editor was highly 
gratified in finding that they coincided with some excellent re- 
flexions, contained in a very valuable publication from the 
pen of a writer, who does honor to her sex, her country, 
and the age in Which she lives; and who, from a very com- 
manding eminence to which she has attained, both in the literary 
and christian world, has successfully employed the most brilliant 
talents in the cause of virtue and religion. It will be anticipated 
that he refers to the pious and learned Mrs. Hannah More, and 
to her late valuable publication, entitled, <: Practical Piety," 
in which, speaking of the death-bed of a worldly man, she says, 
u What a noble opportunity is now offered to the Christian Phy- 
sician to shew a kindness so far superior to any he has ever 
shewn, as the concerns of the soul are superior to those of the 
body ! Oh, let him not fear prudently to reveal a truth for 
which the patient may bless him in eternity! Is it not some- 
times to be feared that, in the hope of prolonging for a little 
while the existence of the perishing body, he robs the dying soul 
of the last chance of pardon? Does not the concern for the 



31 

thing to interfere on such occasions, yet, perhaps, 
there are circumstances, in which friends around 
would be justified in disregarding such professional 
advice, and in demanding an admission to the sick 
or dying bed. 

Doubtless, there are cases in which the pious me- 
dical attendant, however much disposed to drop a 
hint which may be useful to the soul, finds, to his 
deep regret, that it is exceedingly difficult, if not 
impossible, to seize a favourable opportunity. When 
called to visit the sick and dying bed of the dissipated 
and thoughtless, he finds it guarded with sedulous 
attention by cruel friends, to prevent, if possible, 
any look which shall betray the least sign of alarm, 
or any word being spoken which shall in the most 
distant manner convey an idea to the mind of ap- 
proaching danger. Should the pious physician, from 
compassion to the immortal soul, take the liberty of 
hinting, in the most delicate manner, the probability 
of a speedy dissolution, and the importance of seeking 
due preparation, he runs the risk of incurring great 
displea^urp, of being rudely charged with stepping 
out of his own path, and invading the province of an- 

immortal part, united with his care for the afflicted body, bring 
the medical professor to a nearer imitation than any other sup- 
posable situation can do, of that divine Physician who never 
healed the one without manifesting a tender concern for the 
ether ?'' 

Vide More's Practical Piety, vol. ii., ch. xviii., page 16$* 



32 

other, and of being informed that his future attend- 
ance will be dispensed with. Yet, after all, the truly 
pious and conscientious physician will run the risk of 
incurring this displeasure, and or" sustaining these 
charges, rather than, for the sake of private advan- 
tage, or of human approbation, neglect a manifest 
duty, and thus expose himself to the after upbraid- 
ings of an accusing conscience. 

These remarks may serve to shew the importance 
of true piety in the medical character, and to excite 
deeper regret, that, by the early death of young Cle- 
ment, the world has been deprived of one such cha- 
racter, who united in the same person a medical and 
a spiritual adviser. 

It will be easily imagined, that one thus disposed 
would, whenever his efforts had been crowned with 
success, instead of imputing it to his own skill, 
ascribe the whole praise to God. On one occasion, 
when he had successfully prescribed for his father, he 
says in a letter; " Let me not boast as if my own 
arm had gotten me the victory, or as if 1 had over- 
ruled the providence of God." In another letter he 
thus writes : " On Saturday evening I was obliged to 
go into Portland, to reduce a fracture of one of the 
bones of the arm ; but I would desire this not to be 
mentioned ; for, if I have been able to do this, which, 
perhaps, is something extraordinary, I would ascribe 
the praise to the Majesty of Heaven, who has thus 



S3 

crowned my studies with success; and would wish 
ever to be kept humble, convinced of my little im- 
provement, both in things temporal and spiritual, 
compared with the great privileges I enjoy. This is 
another instance, 1 hope, of being serviceable to my 
fellow-creatures. Still let us unite in seeking wisdom 
to direct us, and imploring the blessing of God upon 
all our actions." 

I have already alluded to his diligence, and his 
determination to excel in his profession : as a further 
proof, the following rules, selected from a plan which 
he laid down for general improvement, are presented 
to the reader : 

" Rule 2. After breakfast, business will employ 
the greatest portion of my time; but in the intervals 
of business, it must be my care to seize every moment 
of time to consult books; which will be arranged in 
the following order : books treating of anatomy with 
practical dissection ; chemistry, with the few expe- 
riments which it may be in my power to make ; bo- 
tany ; then the medicinal qualities of drugs, from the 
Materia Medica, &c. with a knowledge of pharmacy 
and surgery. To the above must be added the history 
of diseases." 

" Rule 3. As it is impossible to attain a general 
knowledge of every art and science, I shall endeavour 



34 

to cultivate a perfect acquaintance with my own ; 
and to this end, as I read, I shall state questions, 
and make observations, which I shall pen down as * 
they occur, and endeavour to obtain a resolution of 
each. I propose having a common-place book of 
400 pages, and to divide it into different sections ; 
one for recapitulation, another for questions and ob- 
servations, a third for answers." 

From the foregoing statement, a favourable idea 
will be formed of his professional character ; and, 
had his life been spared, he would probably have 
arisen to considerable eminence, under the direction 
and encouragement of a medical friend of great abi- 
lities and eminent piety, who duly appreciated the 
worth of his young friend's character, condescend- 
ingly undertook to direct his studies, and intended 
ultimately to bring him forward into life. Such kind- 
ness was not lost on young Clement : his susceptible 
heart felt the liveliest gratitude glowing within him 
towards his friend ; and he considered himself laid 
under additional obligations to study diligently, that 
he might answer the expectations formed of him, 
and prove himself worthy of such distinguished 
notice. 

Had our young friend been spared, his London 
adviser intended to have used his influence in bringing 
him forward into public notice; but death inter- 



35 

vened. The high esteem in which this gentleman 
held him, and the strong attachment he felt toward 
him, are well expressed, in a letter of condolence 
which he wrote to his friends after his decease.* 



Which see in the subsequent pages. 



36 



CHAPTER IV. 

HIS INTELLECTUAL CHARACTER. 

While our young friend was anxio.us to attain to 
eminence in his particular profession, he was desirous 
also of acquiring general knowledge. To this end, 
he embraced every opportunity of enlarging his stock 
of information, and of improving his powers of 
knowledge. In early life he enjoyed the blessing of 
a liberal education ; his attainments whilst at school 
were very respectable; and when he went into the 
world, he was anxious both to retain what he had 
already acquired, and also to make further progress. 
When he left school, he was well acquainted with the 
French, Latin, and Greek languages, which he was 
desirous to retain and enlarge. In a letter which he 
wrote soon after he went to Weymouth, he says: 
" As you have given me the liberty to buy books, I 
shall not spend my money for that which is not pro- 
fitable ; but I shall purchase books from which I may 
reap instruction and advantage. I have lately been 
looking over my Greek; and am happy to say, I 
have not forgotten it. You will see by what I have 
sent you, that I have not forgotten the Latin ; and as 
to the French, I hope I shall improve myself in the 
speaking part, as there are some young persons here 



37 

who can converse in French. I am in an< advanta- 
geous situation ; all I have to do is to study hard. 
To the above languages he added the German, in 
which he made considerable progress. His desire of 
mental improvement was great, and it led him to the 
adoption of various plans. How earnest he was to 
acquire mental excellence may be perceived from the 
following expressions : " If J had a mind sufficiently 
comprehensive, I would arrive at the highest state 
of human acquirements immediately; but I must be 
content with advancing progressively." — " May I 
obtain by prayer greater perseverance, that so my 
mind may be capable of extending her powers to 
the utmost stretch. " — " Did my body permit, my 
soul would be willing to be continually adding to her 
scanty stock of knowledge." 

With a view to secure time for mental improve- 
ment, he kept a book, which he called a Scheme 
Book, in which he had laid down various plans, and 
arrangements of time, devoting some portion every day 
to the improvement of his mind; this time was gene- 
rally in the morning before breakfast. When, after he 
had performed the duties of the closet, he devoted the 
remaining portion to intellectual pursuits. His chief 
companions were " Locke's Essays" and " Watts's Lo- 
gic." These he read and studied with a view to im- 
prove his reasoning powers, and habituate himself to 
close and accurate thinking. For the same purpose 
he devoted a small portion of his time to the study 

E 



38 

of the mathematics : a science which should form a 
part in every liberal plan of education; not only as 
it is capable of affording a high degree of intellectual 
pleasure, but as it is eminently adapted to strengthen 
and improve the reasoning powers. 

Aware of the importance of a good memory, he 
was desirous of strengthening and improving his 
own ; which he did by frequent and moderate exer- 
cise. After reading a number of pages, he closed 
his book, and endeavoured to recollect what he had 
been reading, and at the close of every day, he re- 
viewed its transactions. He frequently committed 
to memory interesting passages both of poetry and 
prose. Whilst he aimed at strengthening and im- 
proving his judgment and memory, he did not ne- 
glect the cultivation of the finer powers. The sensi- 
bilities of his soul were alive to all the beauties of 
nature, and all the charms of friendship ; hence he 
would occasionally embrace a few leisure moments 
to stray u where the Muses love to haunt,'' and cull 
some of the choicest flowers in the poetic gardens. 
His favourite authors appear to have been Milton, 
Young, Thomson, and Cowper. 

As a further incitement to diligence in study, and 
as a means of intellectual improvement, he was de- 
sirous of having questions proposed to him on diffi- 
cult and interesting subjects, to which he would be 
expected to return answers. In a letter to his parents 



59 

soon after he left home, he says : " I should be very 
glad to afford you any information concerning any 
branch of literature which has come under my in- 
spection. If you will be so kind as to propose any 
questions which you may think proper, I will endea- 
vour to solve them. I am led to Tequest this of you, as 
I think it will be to my own improvement. Now is 
my seed-time : if I do not sow the seeds of know- 
ledge now, if spared to old age, I shall reap no har- 
vest." In another letter, after mentioning some sub- 
jects for discussion which he had selected in the 
course of his reading, he adds: u I should like to 
enter into a correspondence with any person on these 
subjects; but I have no one with whom I am ac- 
quainted: will you ask Mr. L ### to write to me?" 

In a letter to his friend James: " Every corre- 
spondent with whom I am acquainted has agreed to 
write upon nothing but what shall advance our know- 
ledge ; and I am certain you will have no objection 

to this plan it is your duty to communicate some 

of your knowledge to one who is so desirous of 
sharing it; and as I am an enquirer after truth, 
permit me to ask you some questions; and if you 
wiil ask me one or two in your next, 1 will endeavour 

to answer them My design in this is, that we may 

strengthen our reasoning powers." 

About the time that he wrote the above, he en- 
tered into a correspondence with a most valuable 



40 

young man, # of whom the world was not worthy; 
who, like our young friend, was removed in early 
life, by which the world has been deprived of another 
illustrious example, in whom unfeigned and ardent 
piety was united with a superior order of intellectual 
powers. Having become acquainted with him, young 
Clement soon perceived that he possessed a soul con- 
genial with his own, and was desirous of maintaining 
a correspondence. The following is a copy of the 
letter which he wrote to him on the subject : 

" Dear Sir, 

" Excuse the liberty I take« with you 
in addressing you a few lines. The last time I had 
the pleasure of seeing you, I perceived, by your con- 
versation, that your desire of improvement coincided 
with my own ; and, if I recollect well, you were of 
opinion, that the best method of obtaining know- 
ledge was by means of interrogation. I shall be 
extremely happy to open a correspondence with you 
on this plan ; and, if you will be so kind in your reply 
to this, as to state a few questions, I will endeavour, 
according to my ability, to give you an answer. I 
leave the subject to your choice, whilst I remain 

" Your humble servant, 

" John Clement." 



* Mr. S. H. Golding, of Bridport; an interesting memoir of 
whom is inserted in the Evangelical Magazine for July and 
August, 1309. 



41 

To this proposal Mr. Golding readily acceded, and 
a correspondence commenced, which was carried on 
for some time, during which several important ques- 
tions were discussed. Some of the answers of young 
Clement, to use the words of his excellent correspon- 
dent, " manifested an extraordinary attention to 
mental improvement in one so young." 

Mr. Golding did not long survive his amiable 
correspondent. On being informed that it was in 
intention to present the public with memoirs of his 
young friend, he expressed great satisfaction, and 
anticipated the pleasure and improvement which he 
should derive from the perusal. In reply to a friend 
who had requested a sight of Clement's letters, he 
says, " I shall eagerly embrace the first opportunity 
of procuring a sight of your interesting publication; 
and hope, that so striking an example of early piety 
and genius will not be lost on myself or the world." 
Who can read this passage without feeling, when he 
reflects that the amiable writer was then on the bor- 
ders of the invisible world, and destined, before the 
memoirs of his deceased friend should meet the public 
eye,, to be himself removed from earth I 

Such was the prevailing desire of mental excel- 
lence which actuated the breast of young Clement, 
and such the means he adopted to attain this valuable 
acquisition. 

eS 



m 

CHAPTER V. 

HIS IMPROVEMENT OF TIME. 

If any particular class of views and feelings were 
to be selected, by wbich to characterize our young 
friend, they should be those which refer to the im- 
provement of time. He possessed an abiding con- 
viction of its importance and worth ; a prevailing 
desire to improve it; the most heart felt satisfaction 
when, on the close of a day, he could look hack aud 
see that his time had been well and wisely employed; 
and the most pungent sorrow when he perceived ^hat 
any portion of it had been squandered, and misim- 
proved. 

As this was a prominent feature in his general 
character, we shall endeavour to exhibit it in its due 
proportion; in the hope that, by contemplating it, 
others, especially young students, may imbibe his 
spirit, adopt his maxims, and imitate his example. 

When a boy at school, he kept an accurate account 
of the manner in which each day was spent. The 
account of one day is subjoined as a specimen. 



43 



THURSDAY, July 30, 1801 



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Total 23 :— the other spent in conversation on dif- 
ferent subjects. 

In this manner he filled a thin quarto volume; 
and when it is recollected that he was then a boy at 
school, about fourteen years of age, such early indi- 
cations of ceconomy relative to the most valuable 
of all possessions, must have excited great hopes 
respecting him in future life ; and these hopes were 
not disappointed. 

One of his prevailing wishes was, to rescue as 
much time as possible from sleep; and on the subject 
of early rising, his observations are numerous and 
important. In reading Thomson's Seasons, he was 
much struck with those excellent lines on this sub- 
ject, and committed them to memory : 



%i Falsely luxurious, will not man arise, 
And, springing from the bed of sloth, er^oy 
The cool, the fragrant, and the silent hour 
To meditation due, and sacred song, &c. &c." 

u These are lines," says he, " which have capti- 
vated my heart. They often break my silence when 
walking abread : they urge me on to action. I repeat 
them when in bed, and do, in reality, spring from 
my bed that I may enjoy the morning air." 

" I wish I could be satisfied with what is reckoned 
sufficient time for nature; that is, four or five hours 
sleep; but the generality of us indulge too much in 
this way. How awful to consider that a moment of 
our time can never be recalled V* — " I have reflected 
on the value of time, and computed how many hours 
1 spend in sieep. i have been led to think in what 
manner I can spend my time better. Amongst other 
thoughts, this forcibly struck me; I could wish to 
rise in Summer at five, and in Winter at six." — 
" By reading the lives of some eminent men, such as 
Dr. Doddridge, r President Edwards, &c., I was led 
to form a resolution to rise early, both in Summes 
and Winter. I hope to persevere, and by reasoning 
with, and reproving myself, I hope to conquer- my 
indulging in so many hours oi sleep. Often have i 
reasoned with myself thus : If I were about to take 
some journey which required me to rise earJy, I 
should not hesitate to rise at any hour; but, though 
I am daily travelling to eternity, yet I seem to be 



45 

making no preparation." — •" I would willingly forfeit 
any pleasure that is to be derived from sleep, if [ 
could but rise at five every morning through the 
future years of my life : for I am convinced that the 
advantages of rising early far outweigh any pleasure 
which may arise from an indulgence of this nature." 

In a letter to his friend James, he says: " I 
would wish to allow myself six hours sleep, which I 
deem quite sufficient. I know of nothing more diffi- 
cult than to conquer myself of this murderer (sleep); 
and until I am enabled to perform this duty, which 
I owe to God, I shall have, the greatest reason to 
reproach myself with ingratitude. The advantages 
of rising early are great, especially to the young, 
as it affords them more time to break the ground, 
and sow their seed." 

If, in the course of reading, he met with any va- 
luable remarks on this subject, adapted to stimulate 
his mind, he transcribed them into his common-place 
book. The following are extracted by him from 
some letters of Dr. Stonehouse which he had been 
reading : " Let me prevail on all my readers to rise 
early, for the pillow is a treacherous counsellor, and 
time is too precious to be lost in any unnecessary 
indulgence, which may, in many circumstances, be 
more criminal than the generality of us are aware ; 
for, if they cannot comply with so small an instance 
of self-denial, how can they be expected to comply 



46 

with others, which may be more difficult? Only con- 
sider how great the gain of an hour or two, every 
day, from sloth and insensibility, really adds to the 
term of your life, as well as conduces to the preserv- 
ation of your health. You must likewise redeem the 
time, remembering it is precious, and, if lost, irre- 
coverable. Every friend, and every, thing, will be 
apt to be stealing this power from you ; it behoves 
yon, therefore, to be very careful of it." 

At the close of a week, during which he had been 
enabled to rise early every morning, he expresses 
himself in the following animated and devotional 
strains: " I have one thing for which to praise God, 
and for which I hope ever to be tbankfnl ; which is, 
his kindness in answering my request, to give me 
strength to rise early. This, I hope, is an earnest of 
future happiness; a day-spring from on high visiting 
my soul. What a delightful prospect is it to me, if 
I may be so enabled to rise, and enjoy communion 
with my God, whilst thousands are indulging them- 
selves in sleep, and neither living here, nor preparing 
for a future world." 

As he was the subject of such delightful feelings, 
when he had been enabled to redeem his time from 
sleep, so, on the other hand, when he was conscious 
of having wasted any in sleep, he was subject to 
feelings equally acute. Giving vent to feelings of 
this sort, in one part of his diary he sa^s : " I might. 



47 

enjoy communion with God, peace in my heart, and 
every pleasure which religion can afford, were I to 
rise early. These, with many other arguments 
equally cogent, may be urged to convince me of the 
necessity of early rising; but all I can use seem of 
no avail. And why is ir, O Lord, that thou seemest 
to turn a deaf ear to my prayers? Is it because I 
offend thee, because I am not sincere, not importu- 
nate? I acknowledge the charges. Thou wouldest 
do right to leave me to the folly of my own heart." 

In another part he adds: "Rose at half past seven. 
It grieves me to look back on this morning. I awoke 
at an early hour, and might have arisen, enjoyed 
meditation, prepared for the duties of the day, tasted 
the sweets of a morning's walk, established my health, 
invigorated my mind, and enlivened my spirits. 
Alas ! I was far from enjoying these pleasures." 

Not having risen one morning until half past eight, 
his mind was much distressed. AH the energies of 
language are employed on this subject, in giving an 
account of the day. " Time," says he, a still passes 
unimproved, for this morning I rose at half past 
eight. Before I could dress, and bring my mind to 
a proper state for meditation, I was called away, and 
the reading of the precious Bible and prayer were 
again neglected ; thus did I enter on the pursuits of 
the day. By such conduct I am adding sin to sin, 
and shall soon fill up the measure thereof, if God, 



48 

by his grace, prevent not. How different would have 
been my feelings, had I risen early, and spent some 
time in communion with God; instead of complaining 
of lukewarm affections, or feeling no holy desires 
after God, of having no spiritual thoughts, no en- 
larged ideas of the divine mercy, and other attributes 
of Deity; of knowing nothing of . my own heart; 
instead of these, the joys of God's salvation might 
have been restored ; I might have been soaring on 
the wings of faith, and treading on the threshold of 
heaven ; I might have been adoring with unutterable 
joy the length, the breadth, the depth, the heighth of 
the love of God ; I might have been rejoicing in the 
favour of God as an answer to prayer ; and to crown 
all, I might have been contemplating Jehovah as my 
friend. These are some of the advantages w 7 hich 
1 might derive from early rising.'' And then, in a 
spirited apostrophe, he adds : " Oh, my sluggish 
soul, how is it thou canst forego all these pleasures, 
and be at the same time under the image of death ! 
How is it that thou canst so freely part with all 
these sublime enjoyments, so suited to thy nature, 
and thus waste thy golden moments, merely for the 
gratification of lying on thy bed ! Endeavour to deny 
thyself these false pleasures, these allurements, which 
rob thee of thy angelic employment; and may God 
assist thee in the delightful work." 

As he was so desirous to rescue time from sleep, 
so he was equally desirous to improve his waking 



49 

hours; and, that he might stimulate himself to a 
diligent improvement of his time, he frequently me- 
ditated on the rapidity of its flight, and the solemn ac- 
count which he should have to give at the bar of God." 
" If I do not improve," he observes, " it will go ill 
with me at that day when I shall be called to give an 
account. O awful consideration ! conscience, at 
this moment, is ready to fly in my face, and bear tes- 
timony against me, for letting so many hours of my 
invaluable time slip away, without doing something 
either for God or my fellow-creatures, or without se- 
curing the improvement of my own time." In another 
place he says: " Every man is a steward, and must 
give a true account of his stewardship : in what an 
awful station are we placed ! May L have grace to 
fulfil the duties of this station. How much of my 
precious time has run to waste already ! and for 
every moment I must give an account. Lord, enable 
me to be a faithful steward ; and may that sentence 
be pronounced upon me : * Thou hast been careful 
over a few things, F will make thee ruler over many 
things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.'" 

Thus he endeavoured to rouse himself to action, 
by placing himself, in imagination, before the awful 
tribunal ; and, as another means, by frequently looking 
back, and talking with his past hours ; marking the 
rapidity of their flight, and inquiring what report 
they had borne with them. ""The various artificial 
divisions of time furnished him with frequent 

F 



60 

reflections of this land ; not a year, not a month, 
not a week, nor scarcely a day closed, without some 
remarks respecting the rapid flight of time. At the 
close of a week, he writes thus : " Another week has 
passed, the hours of which are with the years beyond 
the Flood, never to be recalled. I am now seven 
days nearer the eternal world;" but how little do I 
think about, or prepare for, my dissolution !" — 
" Time, oh time, how art thou flying ! I ;can do no- 
thing to stop thy progress. All I can do is to seize 
and improve thee as much as I can, whilst thou art 
flying." — " Years, months, and weeks, come hast- 
ening on, and are continually revolving over my head. 
Every moment which composes them brings me so 
much nearer to eternity. Oh ! that these thoughts 
were continually present to my view." In other parts 
of his diary he writes in a similar strain. 

" Sunday, April I. This day is the beginning of 
another quarter of the year. How time glides away ! 
and how slow a progress, both in divine and human 
knowledge, do I make ! Oh ! that my time were 
better spent." Again, 

" Saturday, May 26th. It now remains for me to 
close another day, another week, and almost another 
month, with fervent supplication for pardon, and for 
greater increase in holiness, and growth in know- 
ledge," 



31 

•* May 31st. This da}? closes another month, seven 
months more, and a year will have revolved."* 

" June 30th. Hour succeeds hour, day chases day, 
and month follows month : and soon all the days of 
my appointed time on earth will he accomplished ; 
my spirit will flee to God's tribunal, receive her sen- 
tence, and be happy or miserable to all eternity. 
This I know and believe ; yet time passes away un- 
improved. I promise amendment, but, alas! amend- 
ment is not yet arrived, and I fear it never will. 
How must I give an account of these things! and 
what will be my doom !" 

As his mind was so deeply impressed, and so fully 
occupied with the idea of the invaluable worth of 
time, and the importance of improving it, we need 
not wonder to hear him, on some occasions, giving 
vent to his feelings in strains expressive of the deepest 
humility and contrition. That improvement of time 
which to ordinary minds would be quite satisfactory, 
yea, which would afford high degrees of self-com- 
placence, to him appeared mere trifling, and excited 
only feelings of regret. 



* Obvious and unimportant as this remark may appear, it 
serves to show what a very miser he was in regard to time, how 
carefully he watched the departure of days, and weeks, and 
months, and how he anticipated the consumption of a certain 
portion of his existence long before the time. 



52 

Jn addition fo what has already been quoted as 
illustrative of this, the following extracts from several 
parts of his diary will, if possible, more fully display 
the state of his mind on this subject : 

4< Bay after day is revolving; but I lament thai 
they find me the same indolent presumptuous sinner. 
Why should I throw away my precious time in th€ 
manner I do V 

se When I look back upon the last fortnight, in 
which I have given an account of each day, how 
small a portion has been devoted to the service of 
God! How dull and stupid have I been at times ! 
and how little improvement have I made during this 
period ! Perhaps, ere long, I shall be called before 
the bar of God ; and how will my conscience rise up 
in judgment against me on my death-bed, and re- 
proach me with not having attended to the duties of 
the closet and of my station, with greater perse- 
verance and assiduity ! Too much of my time has 
been spent in sauntering and idleness, instead of 
attending closely to my studies." 

" Alas, I still continue the same dilatory creature, 
and sometimes think I shall never be otherwise; 
but, with the assistance of God, I will still persevere 
in endeavouring to conquer this body of sin. and 
death." 



53 

" Thus has my day been spent, and my month 
closed. How sadly have I squandered my precious 
time this month ! and still continue to do it. Oh ! 
thet I could always bear in mind hew much I have 
to do, and comply more with the rules and plans I 
have drawn out." 

" How melancholy to reflect on this day ! little 
has been done; small has been my improvement ; 
time is going to waste; eternity is fast approaching -, 
and I am squandering my hours : therefore, I mean 
this evening to sit up the remaining part of the 
night, and devote it to prayer, reading, and study." 

Such were the ardent desires of his soul, to redeem 
and to improve his precious time ; and in this he is 
worthy to be held up to view, and followed as a 
model. May every young person who shull peruse 
these pages be induced to copy his example, b^y me- 
ditating much on the value of time, the rapidity of 
its flight, the impossibility of recalling a single mo- 
ment, and the solemn account which must one day 
be given respecting the use of this talent. He would 
thus be happily induced to rescue as much time as 
possible from unnecessary sleep, from listless inacti- 
vity, from frivolity and trifling, and especially from 
those pursuits of pleasure, falsely so called, which are 
injurious to health, destructive to morals, and which 
not only rob us of the time which is actually con- 
sumed in the pursuit, but also induces a pernicious 

F 3 



54 

taste, which unfits us ever afterwards for the regular 
and active discharge of important duties. 

As this was a distinguishing and an important trait 
in the character of our young friend, it was judged 
proper to give it prominence ; and especially as it 
did not belong exclusively to any distinct depart- 
ment, but equally influenced him in every character 
and relation. By his wise economy of time, he was 
enabled to devote more to correspondence with his 
parents and friends ; to mental improvement, and, 
what he deemed of first importance, to meditation^ 
self-examination, reading the Scriptures, and com- 
munion with God, 



65 



CHAPTER VI. 

HIS MORAL AND RELIGIOUS CHARACTER. 

While our young friend displayed so many of 
the social and intellectual virtues which throw a 
pleasing lustre around human character, attract at- 
tention and procure esteem during life, and after 
death keep alive the fond recollection, and excite 
deep regret ; while, on account of his filial attach- 
ment, his unbounded philanthropy, his desire of 
professional and general eminence, he is worthy of 
being proposed as a pattern for universal imitation 5 
it is in his moral and religious character that he 
shines with brightest lustre. It is to this that the 
attention of the reader is particularly invited ; espe- 
cially the youthful reader ; and, above all, the young 
man who, like the subject of this memoir, may be 
engaged in the active scenes of life, exposed to a 
variety of temptations, and employed in the duties of 
an honourable, a laborious, and useful profession, 
but a profession which, judging from the great ma- 
jority of those engaged in it, seems to have some- 
thing unfavourable in it to habits of piety and 
devotion. Such will see. by consulting these pages, 
that, in the midst of all his engagements and tempt- 
ations, our young friend lived in the habit of commit- 



56 

nion with God ; found time for perusing the sacred 
pages; attended, almost regularly, the public worship 
of the sanctuary on the Lord's-day ; and often em- 
braced other opportunities of assembling with the 
people of God, for the purposes of benevolence and 
devotion. In short, he will see, that the subject of 
these memoirs has afforded a fresh proof of that trite, 
though expressive proverb, " Where there is a will, 
there is a way ;" that where the grace of God has 
been implanted in the heart, by the agency of the 
Holy Spirit, it will remain, and will be displayed ; 
that, where a heavenly bias has been given to the 
soul, it will be tending upwards, amidst the greatest 
difficulty and opposition ; and that true religion, so 
far from being incompatible with professional and 
general excellence, is calculated to give the last and 
brightest polish to the character, and to display every 
other excellence to greater advantage: and whilst 
the young professional reader contemplates these 
things, may he be excited to an imitation of the pat- 
tern set before him, and thus grow in favour with 
God and man. 

Young Clement appears to have been one of those 
W T ho are sanctified from the womb. When quite^oung, 
he gave pleasing indications of a mind seriously dis- 
posed, and always possessed a tender conscience and 
a susceptible heart : he was from a child afraid of 
sin, and often, whilst his play-fellows were indulging 
in various amusements, he was retiring to read and 



57 

pray. At a very early period he began to hear the 
word of God with attention and with practical 
effect.* u When about thirteen/' says his much- 
esteemed pastor, " he began occasionally to conduct 
family devotion, and soon after officiated regularly 
as the domestic chaplain, and always accustomed 
himself to free prayer. He had both the grace and 
gift of prayer in an eminent degree; and the exercise 
of these gifts has often delighted and edified many 
at social meetings/'-)- Writing to his mother soon 
after he left home, he says : " You tell me in your 
letter that you miss me as your chaplain, but mus< 
resign me to the will of Providence." 



SECTION I. 

PRIVATE DEVOTIONAL CHARACTER. 

In unfolding the religious character of our young 
friend, we shall first accompany him to his closet, 
where we shall discover the main spring; there, in 
communion with God, by fervent prayer he drew 
down those gracious influences from above, which, 
in their operation on his heart, produced so much 
excellence. 

* See page 3. 

t See his obituary in the Evangelical Magazine, Aug, 1806= 



5B 



DEDICATION TO (20D, 



Here we shall find him in a solemn manner dedi* 
eating himself to God, and pouting out his heart 
before him ; reading and meditating on his holy 
word; often bringing himself to the test of self- 
examination ; mourning over the past, and making 
resolutions for the future; and, at different seasons, 
the subject of all that variety of frames and feelings, 
which characterize the enlightened, the experienced, 
yet imperfect Christian. 

His acts of dedication were frequent. " May I 
dedicate myself to God," says he in his diary, 
iC daily, I have done it this day. Oh ! that I could 
live more and more under the influence of this act; 
as having taken God for my father, friend, and guide 
through life. May he accept me, vile and polluted 
as I am, through the intercession of his Son. Into 
thy hands, O Almighty God, 1 commit myself for 
time and eternity." 

On one Lord's-dav he thus writes : " I have been 
employed in speaking to God, thinking it my duty 
to give myself up to him. It is an important act ; 
but as there is no neutrality in religion, as I am re- 
solved to be either for God or Mammon, as I cannot 
find any pleasure in the ways of sin, and as I enjoy 
the greatest satisfaction in the service of God, I here. 



59 

solemnly dedicate myself to that glorious Being at the 
age of sixteen. Satan may say there is sufficient time 
yet, but let me not indulge such vain thoughts, recol- 
lecting that God is the author cf my being, and he 
has a right to my services. O Lord, do thou take 
me; and, as I hope I can appeal to thee that I write 
from the heart, do thou strengthen me to perform 
the duties now incumbent upon me, as one of thy 
children. Oh! teach me to subdue every evil incli- 
nation ; enable me to rise early, and begin the day 
with thee; help me, O God, in the path of duty; 
and lend an ear to the voice of my supplications; 
may I, for the future, be more devoted to thee; and 
by my conduct evince that I am thine, in an ever- 
lasting covenant never to be forgotten. May the 
solemn act which 1 have performed this day be ever 
fresh in my memory, and operate as an incentive to 
enable me to serve God more faithfully." In this 
manner he frequently dedicated himself to God ; and 
the prevailing wish of his heart was to be entirely 
devoted to him. 

PRAYER. 

He was much engaged with God in prayer. He 
deemed access to a throne of grace an inestimable 
privilege, where he often experienced much liberty 
and enjoyment, and was frequently on the mount of 
communion. He felt a high relish for the exercises 
of devotion. " H" says he, " delight in the devout 



60 

exercises of godliness is an evidence of love to God, 
then I hope I can say that I do possess a portion of 
this love. What is more delightful than to enjoy 
communion with God! What more pleasant, than to 
enter the closet, shut to the door, and pray to that 
Father who hears in secret, but rewards openly! 
May I experience daily more of this sacred flame of 
devotion kindled in my breast !" 

He was not content with praying in a formal 
manner, but wished to experience the spirit of grace 
and of supplication. " May I this night," he observes 
in his diary, " spend a few moments in the enjoy- 
ment of the light of his countenance; having lively 
and animating hopes of that glorious and eternal 
world, where there are joys unspeakable, and full of 
glory. May the love of God be manifested unto 
me ; and may I abound in every gift and grace." 

The same God who enkindled such desires in his 
heart, was pleased sometimes to satisfy his longing 
soul. In one place he expresses himself thus : " In 
my addresses to God this day, I have enjoyed liberty 
and pleasure almost inexpressible, so that I cannot 
find words to express myself: may these repeated 
blessings be a means of gratitude and love to God." 

After his return from a visit to some friends, which 
had occasioned some degree of dissipation and irre- 
gularity, on entering his closet, he thus expresses his 



61 

feelings : " Though it is pleasant to see friends, yet 
time has not been improved so much as it is within 
the narrow limits of these walls. Here my prayers 
have ascended night and morning; here, I hope, 
faith has been in lively exercise; here I have been 
enabled to draw down blessings from above: hail, 
then, thou highly favoured spot, where God is wont 
to manifest himself! Let me now return to my former 
studies, and bless God for all that I enjoy. Oh ! let 
me cultivate an acquaintance with myself and with 
God : teach me, O Lord, to pray : may T serve thee 
in sincerity and truth !" 



SELF-EXAMINATION. 

He was frequently the subject of many doubts and 
fears, lest, after all his profession, he should at last 
be found only a hypocrite. This led him frequently 
to engage in that important, but too much neglected, 
duty of self-examination. 

After hearing a sermon on Psal. xxxii. 6., in which 
prayer had been considered as one charateristic feature 
of a godly man, the following reflexions were penned 
in his diary : " And is prayer characteristic of a 
godly man? Then, without any more examination, I 
may say, I am one; but there is one impediment 
here ; we are told he prays with sincerity ; and now, 
where am I? Is this my case? Do I pray in sincerity ? 

G 



62 

Is my heart engaged in the service ? Here I must 
alter my tone, and speak with great diffidence. AM 
the proof I have is, that I would wish to be sincere -; 
and that I do supplicate God for his aid ; but too often, 
when I kneel before him, my heart is engaged in the 
things of the world, whilst my lips are speaking to 
him ; and, instead of serving God, my services are 
an abomination to him. How seldom is it I can 
exercise my faith (if I have any) in the promises of 
God ; and, though not a day passes over my head 
without attempting to lift my heart to God in prayer, 
yet I am afraid that I have never yet prayed in a 
sincere and ardent manner ; and how piercing is the 
reflexion to think, that I have been seeking God 
from my infancy almost, and have not found him ! 
May God discover himself to me as a God hearing 
and answering prayer." 

He sometimes felt doubts arising in his mind, be- 
cause he had not been the subject of those deep con- 
victions which others have experienced. On this 
subject he expresses himself thus : " I have been 
examining myself, to ascertain if ever I have expe- 
rienced true repentance. I have been led to doubt 
it, because I have known many who have been 
brought into a new life by means of great trouble 
and distress of mind ; and, as I would abhor the idea 
of deceiving myself, I would acknowledge that I 
never experienced this distress of mind. But what 
I have felt is this : I am convinced that my sins are 



63 

great and innumerable; that I have need of pardon 
through the blood of Christ ; I have confessed them 
before God, and prayed that he would assist me in 
forsaking them, as it is my wish not to indulge even a 
sinful thought ; and although many are brought from 
gross darkness into marvellous light in a very alarming 
manner, yet I learn that God has more gentle means 
to bring sinners to himself, which I have reason to 
believe have been employed on my behalf. Blessed 
be the name of God for assisting me thus to examine 
myself. May I persevere in this profitable, though 
arduous duty." 

At the close of a Sabbath he thus writes: a The 
• Sabbath is now closing upon me. For these hours, 
for the privileges I possess, and the mercies I have 
tasted, I must give account. Oh ! that I could give 
God the praise which is due to him for all his bene- 
fits. This day has not passed without pleasure, but 
how have I advanced in the divine lifer How much 
nearer Heaven am I than when I began ? What 
truth do I know ? AVhat sin have I discovered ? 
What new desire has arisen within me? All these 
questions 1 cannot answer in language that shall de- 
clare I have improved in each, but I can safely say 
I have in some. May L carry the Gospel with me 
into the world. May my conduct and temper show, 
that I derive my life from God, and that I am one of 
his family. Amen/' 



64 

At^the close of another Sabbath he thus expresses 
himself: "In the evening. & fter the service was over? 
I retired to a solitary place, where I indulged io 
meditation on the services of the day. What a holy 
resignation to the dealings of God did I feel! And 
what encouragement did I derive from his manifesta- 
tions, to proceed in his ways ! The world seemed 
quite contemptible; and, I hope, I learned the answer 
to these most important questions: — How shall I 
know that my sins are forgiven ? Answer, By the 
spirit of God operating upon my mina 1 , and inclining 
me to seek more and more after holiness. Am I 
prepared for death ? Answer. This world is mean in 
my eyes, compared with the glories of yonder state; 
and, while sojourning here, I cannot serve God as I 
desire." 

Sometimes, in these acts of self-examination, he 
would consider himself apart ; and, in an animated 
apostrophe, he would address his soul. At the close 
of a Sabbath, the following apostrophe is found in 
his diary : " Thus ends the Sabbath ; and now, my 
soul, tell me what is thy improvement. What, if 
God should call thee to his bar this night — How 
stands thy account ? Dost thou shrink at this ?. Dost 
thou plead that thou hast so many things to attend to, 
that thou canst not tell me how matters stand between 
thee and God ? Dost thou dare to delay, after having 
heard of the dreadful consequences? No: thou shall 
not be thus excused. Here let me record my state ; 






65 

and examine myself, if prepared for death, judg- 
ment, and eternity. Thou must proceed no further 
in uncertainty; and the first question J would ask 
thee is, Hast thou ever been truly convinced of sin, 
of its guilt and heinousness? What is thy answer? 
Art thou silent upon this fundamental point of vital 
Christianity ? Surely it cannot be so : thou hast 
something to answer. Dost thou feel some emotions 
arising? Dost thou begin to look back upon times 
past, and recall the seasons of retirement ? Go on, 
and tell me, what were thy proceedings in the closet, 
when the world was shut out from thy sight? Didst 
thou not review the mercies and duties of the day ? 
■When the latter appeared mean and destitute of gra- 
titude, didst thou not blush and condemn thyself? 
Yes is thy answer. Then, bless that God who has 
convinced thee of sin, and look to Jesus, the signer's - 
friend. Dost thou feel a heavy burden? Cjirist will 
not permit thee to so far with such a yoke • but he 
will exchange it for one that is light. I trust I can 
say, there has been rejoicing in Heaven on account 
of thy conversion. Though I cannot date the precise 
time, I hope it took place in thee when reason first 
began to dawn. If it is begun, let praise resound to 
that Being* whose work it is. W^jj, is this exami- 
nation painful? No: it may appear so at fir-it; but 
now thou knowest it to be pleasant. Adieu, my soul, 
for the present. Enjoy intercourse with thy Father, 
and rest in the embraces of his love. Cultivate an 
acquaintance with thy own state, and with God; 

g3 



. 66 

go on and prosper, even as thy corporeal part 
does." 



In another part of his diary he expresses himself in 
a similar strain : " The knell of my departed hours 
sounds eleven: with what a solemn tone does it 
reach my ear ! A day never to be recalled ! a day 
nearer to eternity ! solemn truth ! Every day I pass 
here is a warning to be prepared for death. What is 
my improvement? Let me examine myself. I am 
convinced that pride has too much the ascendancy : 
I too often act in opposition to God. Oh! my proud 
heart, be humble; be low at the feet of Jesus; copy 
his example; be meek and lowly; let no guile pro- 
ceed from thee; but be sober and vigilant, lest thou 
enter into temptation; think not that thou art rich 
and wise enough, but by humble fervent prayer sup- 
plicate God for wisdom, and a rich supply out of 
his fulness in glory. Hearken to admonition, and 
be obedient." 

In this manner did he examine himself; and it will 
appear that he was not partial; that he was not 
blinded by self-love, or filled with self-admiration, 
but that he possessed the lowliest thoughts of himself 
and of his attainments; that he panted for sincerity 
in the sight of God ; and that from the humbling 
views he took of himself, he was urged to seek 
greater attainments. 



67 



HEADING THE SCRIPTURES. 

One important branch of closet duty is, the 
reading of the Scriptures. Where this is neglected, 
or where it is attended to only in a formal cursory 
manner, it either proves the non-existence of the 
divine life in the soul, or that, if it exists at ail, it is 
in a state of declension. On the other hand, where 
there is a love to the word, a daily perusal of it with 
attention, with prayer, and with an earnest desire to 
grow, by the sincere milk of the word, it evinces not 
only the existence, but also the prosperity of real 
vital godliness in the heart. And these are traits 
which our young friend possessed in an emiuent 
degree. This will appear by a few extracts from 
his writings, expressive of his high value of the word, 
his strong attachment to it, his daily pursuit of it, 
and his desire to reap improvement from it. 

In a letter to his parents soon after he left home> 
he says: " By your permission, I intend buying a 
few books of a religious tendency. I have that invalu- 
able volume emphatically called the book, which I 
often peruse. I wish to make it the man of my 
counsel and my guide ; but I wish to purchase 
u Hervey's Meditations among the Tombs, Young's 
Night Thoughts," and a book called {( Sunday 
Thoughts," which are strongly recommended ; but if 
you do not approve of this scheme, beg you will 



6B 

mention it, and I will defer it. It is for the sake of 
novelty I wish them ; and most young people are 
fond of novelty; though, at the same time, I am 
convinced I cannot have a better book than the 
Bible." 

In his diary, at the close of a number of serious 
reflexions, he adds, in a devotional strain, " May I 
never neglect that book wherein the will of God is 
revealed ; but grant that I may read it with a wise 
and an understanding heart." In another place : 
" Oh I may a day never pass over my head, without 
reading the sacred word which God has put into my 
hands. May 1 never slight it, but read it attentively, 
and with the blessing of God/' 

In writing the outlines of a sermon preached by 
Mr. Saltren, of Bridport, he says : " The first words 
of the sermon were these: ( Many who do not read 
their Bibles are astonished to hear, that there is so 
much instruction to be reaped from reading them/ 
I hope I can say, that there is a great deal of instruc- 
tion and pleasure to be derived from the perusal of 
the sacred Scriptures, to which I hope. I am not an 
entire stranger. And, though I cannot reap so much 
advantage from them as [ could wish, and though I 
do not read them so often as I ought, yet I rejoice 
that I do not neglect them entirely ; and I hope, by 
the grace of God, they will be a light unto my feet, 
and a lamp unto my path. May I constantly read 



69 

ihem, and make them the man of my counsel, and 
my guide even until death." 

At the close of a Sabbath evening's reflexions, in 
a subsequent part of his diary, he expresses himself 
thus : " How valuable are the promises of God! His 
revelation is of more value than ten thousand worlds; 
it comforts those that love Christ under everv trouble; 
and shall I neglect to peruse this sacred volume, 
which is able to make me wise unto salvation? God 
forbid ; but for this end, may he enable me to per- 
form the following resolutions. To rise at five o'clock 
during the summer; to read a portion of Scripture ; 
to pray, and make practical remarks whilst reading 
it ; then to read for half an hour, or an hour, some 
useful book ; after that to take some recreation, and 
return to my usual occupation in life, and spend the 
remainder of the day in some useful pursuit. These 
things I intreat God to enable me to perform, for the 
sake of Jesus Christ." 

On another occasion he thus writes : " From 
Theron and Aspasio # I learn the beauty and the ex- 
cellency of the Scriptures; and resolve, by searching 
them, to behold their beauties myself ; to admire 



* A book worth its weight in gold, which the compiler, from 
experience, can recommend as well deserving the perusal of 
those who wish to become established in the fundamental doc- 
trines of the Gospel, 



70 

them as the best of writings ; to esteem thern as my 
only treasure; to look to them as my guide; to derive 
from them comfort and instruction ; from them to 
possess the wisdom which is from above ; in short, 
to have them always by me ; to carry them with me 
through life ; and in death to look to Jesus, who is 
revealed in them. 

The daily perusal of the word of God, with such 
feelings and dispositions of mind, could not fail of 
being attended with the most beneficial conse- 
quences. Such nutritious food, seasoned with prayer, 
and digested by meditation, will enable the soul to 
grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and 
Saviour Jesus Christ. This mental and spiritual ad- 
vancement was very visible in our young friend. He 
was not a babe in knowledge : there are occasional 
remarks in his writings which display a mind well 
stored with scriptural sentiment, and a heart well 
exercised in the practice of godliness. 

He was not satisfied with perusing the Scriptures 
in his own tongue ; he was desirous of consulting 
them in their original language. To this end he 
cultivated an acquaintance with the Greek, into 
which he had been initiated when at school ; and he 
embraced every opportunity of reading the Greek 
Testament; thus drinking the water of life at the 
fountain head ; and plucking celestial fruit from the 
|ree of knowledge with his own hand :— estimable 



71 



attainment ! which should be sought after by every 
youth who is desirous of becoming fully acquainted 
with the word of God. 



SECTION IT, 

PUBLIC DEVOTIONAL CHARACTER. 

Whilst the duties of the closet form a very im- 
portant and essential part of christian character, 
they do not comprehend the whole. We leave it to 
the solitary hermit, or the deluded devotee, to retire 
from life within the recesses of some wood, or the 
walls of some gloomy monastery, under the pretence 
of renouncing the world, and of cultivating the 
higher species of devotional feeling, whilst, as the 
servants of Christ, we think it incumbent on us to 
obey his command, " Let your light so shine before 
men, that they may see your good works, and glorify 
your Father, who is in Heaven." 

Young Clement was not a religious recluse. We 
have already seen that he possessed the social feelings 
in no ordinary degree; and vital religion does not 
destroy the natural feelings, or eradicate the passions: 
it only refines, sanctifies, restrains, and directs them. 
Having attended him in his closet, and perceived the 
ardour of his devotion, the sincerity of his heart, and 
his love to the word of God, let us now accompany 
him into the church and the world, and see how his 
principles operated. 



72 



HIS ATTACHMENT TO PUBLIC ORDINANCES. 

Where the mind is truly devout, and the heart 
renewed by divine grace, the change will be manifest 
by a love to Gospel ordinances, and a desire to em- 
brace every opportunity of hearing the word, and of 
uniting with Christians, for the purpose of mutual 
edification. Some situations and professions in life 
often make a peremptory demand of a portion of 
that sacred time which should be especially devoted 
to God. This applies particularly to that profession 
in which our young friend was engaged. But in 
him we shall see, that, where there is a pre-disposino- 
piind, every possible opportunity of attending on 
Gospel ordinances will be seized with avidity. 

His attachment to the ordinances was very great, 
as will appear from the following extracts. " I 
would for ever bless God that he is favouring me 
with so many opportunities of hearing his word : 
may I not only hear, but prove by my conduct that 
the root of the matter is in me. I cannot find any 
pleasure in the ways of the world, but I hope I can 
say with the Psalmist, " A day with God, either in 
his court or at his throne, is better than a thousand 
elsewhere. I hope I can say that I love to attend on 
the ordinances of God's house, and that I find it 
pleasant and profitable to my soul." At the com- 
mencement of a new year, he thus expresses himself: 



73 

u One more year has revolved, and another has begun 
its course. May every Sabbath throughout this year 
be made a feast of fat things: may it afford me plea- 
sure to hear others say, " Come, and let us go up to 
the house of the Lord.' May I rather be a door- 
keeper in the house of my God, than dwell in the 
tents of sin. Blessed be God, that the Sabbath [ am 
now recording has been a day ever to be remem- 
bered by me ; what peace and resignation did I ex- 
perience on this glorious day ! May the return of 
these happy seasons ever find me waiting upon God, 
and praying for his blessing to attend what I hear." 
On another occasion he writes thus : " Before I en- 
tered his sacred presence, 1 prayed for a blessing ; 
as doubtless did many others ; [ intreated that he 
would come forthwith his minister; and I hope I 
can say that I derived some profit from visiting his 

courts May I delight more and more in attending 

on the sanctuary." 

• 
It was his happiness to sit under a ministry of 
which he highly approved; and for his worthy pastor 
he entertained the highest esteem, and felt the 
strongest affection. In a letter to his mother, soon 
after his going to Weymouth, he says: " I like Mr. 
Cracknell's preaching extremely well; he is quite an 
experimental preacher; he urges self-examination in 
every sermon ; and says it is the chief end of preaching 
and hearing. I hope I shall profit by what I hear 
from time to time; and may God bless the word to 

H 



74 

the conviction and conversion of many young per- 
sons." In another letter he adds: "Mr. C. still 
contiuues to be in good health, and increases my 
love to him every time I hear him ; I am often able 
to try and examine my heart under his preaching." 
At the head of his text book he wrote: " By the 
providence of God T am placed under the preaching 
of Mr. Cracknell, who, I hope I can say, has been 
the instrument, in God's hand, of enlightening my 
mind." 

As a hearer of the word he was seriously attentive : 
he made a self-application of the word which he 
heard; and he listened as one who knew that he 
must give an account. He was very partial to that 
kind of preaching which led to close self examina- 
tion. " I hope," says he, " I am not one of those 
who, when the ministers of Christ preach faithfully, 
and lell them of their sinfulness, become their adver- 
saries; but I hope I can say, that I love to hear 
those sermons which penetrate the mind, which 
prove heart-searching, and by which you can try 
yourself." 

When he returned from the house of God, he 
frequently submitted to a diligent self-scrutiny. On 
one occasion he expressed himself thus : " I have 
had three opportunities of hearing the word ; and, 
blessed be God, I have attended on the means ; but 
how shall- 1 answer to the questions that follow ?~*~ 



75 

How have I improved ? Has the word which I have 
heard been cordially received ? Has it made its due 
impression? I hope, through the blessing of God, I 
can say, I have improved by it, and that it will appear 
by my outward conduct. I hope 1 shall keep a stricter 
guard over my thoughts, words, and actions, and 
make it manifest that 1 have been with Jesus, and 
imbibed his spirit. On another occasion, he adopts 
a similar strain : u Another Sabbath is ended ; the 
duties of the day are almost closed ; I am another 
day nearer to eternity. Impressed with a sense of 
this important truth, I would ask thee, O my soul, 
what art thou profited by it? Alas! thy profit is 
little in proportion to the advantage thou hast en- 
joyed : let me supplicate God for pardon. I have 
sinned against a gracious God, and come short of his 
glory. With humble reverence I bow before him." 

He heard as for eternity ; as one who knew that 
everlasting consequences depended on his improve- 
ment, or non-improvement, of the word. " May I 
hear," says he, u as if I was hearing for eternity. I 
earnestly pray that God would prepare my heart to 
receive his word, that I may bring forth fruit to his 
glory and praise. May I improve every sermon that 
1 hear; and God grant that, after hearing so many 
exhortations, my heart may not be hardened. If 
spared till another Sabbath, may 1 improve more 
than I have by this." 



76 

It may be expected that, where there is such a 
desire to enjoy the word, and to be benefited by it, 
seasons of refreshing from the presence of the Lord 
will be occasionally enjoyed ; and that on such occa- 
sions the heart will be filled with exulting gratitude, 
and the lips be opened and tuned to praise. So it 
was with our young friend. After giving a long ac- 
count of a sermon preached by Mr. Jay of Bath, he 
closed thus : " This was a happy opportunity : my 
soul would willingly have staid, and sung herself 
away to everlasting bliss. With such food I would 
wish at all times to be fed. I could almost wish that 
every day might be a Sabbath * Remember, my soul, 
to reduce to practice what thou readest and nearest " 



HIS LOVE TO SOCIAL MEETINGS. 

He not only embraced every opportunity of attend- 
ing the more public ordinances, but he also attended 
as frequently as possible social meetings for prayer 
and religious conversation, which was held at an early 
hour on the Lord's-day morning, and on other occa- 
sions. On the evening of the Sabbath on which he 
had first attended such a meeting, he expresses him- 
self thus : "I attended a prayer-meeting this morning 
before breakfast. It was the first time I had heard 
of one being held ; and I hope, by the grace of God, 
I can say that my heart was truly affected by what I 
beard. There I beheld young men, who were dis- 



77 

ciples in the school of Christ, and who were taught 
by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. I was, in 
some measure, overjoyed at the goodness of God, in 
guiding my feet at that early hour to the house of 
prayer." After some time, with great diffidence in 
his own powers, and in compliance with earnest and 
repeated solicitations, he took a part in these social 
services. " I will inform you," says he, in a letter 
to his mother, " that last Friday evening, after 
having been solicited many times, I engaged in the 
prayer-meeting here. I trembled very much before 
1 began to give out the hymn; but during the prayer 
X felt myself very collected and composed. Mr. H. 
engaged after me; and, upon the whole, I have spent 
but few sach pleasant evenings. In our prayer- 
meetings on a Sunday morning, we are to meet at 
half past six instead of seven ; we are to read a chap- 
ter, or some religious book, and to continue the 
singing and prayer as usual. I am appointed to 
commence the service next Sabbath ; after a while, 
perhaps, we may come to expound texts of Scrip- 
ture; thus we fulfil the command, l Do good, and 
communicate/" 

After attending one Lord's-day morning, and ex- 
periencing but little animation in the service, he 
says: " This morning I rose at half past six, and 
entered the house of prayer ; but, alas! my heart 
does not join in so hearty a manner as I could wish. 
We want more of. the spirit of prayer amongst us ; 

H 3 



78 

we want to feel the manifestations of God's face ; 
we want more divine assistance ; that all who engage 
should have their hearts warm, and, being themselves 
ardent when they lead the devotion, should constrain 
each of us to join. Enlarge our minds, O Lord, and 
fill us with all thy fulness." 

Concerned for the best interests of his fellow-wor- 
shippers, and for the glory of God, he was often led 
to pour forth his heart in secret for a revival of reli- 
gion amongst them. On one such occasion he says t 
*\ Oh, that there may be a revival of religion amongst 
us ! When we associate with professing Christians, 
how little solid conversation of a spiritual nature do 
we find ! How little striving to nurture, strengthen, 
and confirm each other! Oh ! that God would pour 
out his spirit on us all ; and that there may be a great 
shaking amongst the dry bones." Such were the 
feelings, such the earnest prayer of our young friendo 
What an invaluable acquisition must such a character 
be to any religious society! By the example which 
he displayed, by the gifts which he exercised, and 
by the prayers which he offered, he was, no doubt, 
the means of directing the young, of stimulating the 
aged, of strengthening the hands and encouraging 
the heart of his pastor, and thus of benefiting the, 
society at large, 



79 



HIS ENTERING INTO COMMUNION WITH THE 
CHURCH. 

We come now to consider a very important period 
in his career as a Christian, that of his joining in 
communion with the Church of Christ : a step which 
he did not take without due deliberation and earnest 
prayer; and when taken, he never wished :o retrace 
it. He found that the ordinance of the Lord's Supper 
was peculiarly adapted to promote the life of God in 
the soul; and so it will ever be found by those whp 
approach with proper views and feelings. 

f For a long time previous to his joining the church,., 
he had been convinced that it was his duty, and he 
anticipated with pleasure the time when he should 
be admitted to the table of the Lord. But, as is 
often the case, various difficulties and objections 
presented themselves, and for some time kept him 
back. The state of his mind will be seen by the fol- 
lowing extract from a letter addressed to a very inti- 
mate friend, who was about to join the church. 

(i My dear friend, how should I rejoice could I 
join you in sitting down at the table of the Lord; 
but that period must be waited for some time yet by 
me ; I hope we shall ever be encouraging each other 
in the good ways of the Lord, and discover ourselves 
to be wholly devoted to the Lord by our walk and 



80 

conversation : I have had some thoughts of becoming 
a member, but my situation in life, according to my 
ideas, forbids me. I have often reasoned with my- 
self on the subject; and the first objection I make 
is, my being too young ; but this, on mature con- 
sideration, is no objection at all; my principal one 
is, I know not what the world will say, and especially 
some under the same roof; but I feel an answer 
already to this, that it is a plain proof that I am 
more influenced by the fear of men, than by the fear 
and love of God, seeing I will not devote myself to 
God in this public and solemn manner, lest I should 
endure a little scoffing and ridicule: indeed, on 
thus examining m}-self, 1 find I have no satisfactory 
answer or excuse to make, for these small difficulties 
would soon be overcome by Divine assistance. No- 
thing but time can prove what the event will be. I 
cannot help thinking but that there may be a pos- 
sibility of it ; and oh ! what pleasure should I feel 
if all of us, yourself, M* # * and G***, together 
with myself, could deliver in our experience at the 
same time before the church, and dedicate ourselves 
to God in this solemn manner. No doubt this would 
draw tears of joy from your eyes should it ever be 
accomplished, as the bare possibility of it has already 
from mine. Let me add, should tins ever take place, 
it would be necessary for each of us to examine our- 
selves strictly and impartially, to see that we do not 
give up ourselves to God because others do, but be- 
cause we have examined ourselves, and find it to b£ 
our duty," 



SI 

It might be expected that one who had such pro- 
per views as these, and was under the influence of 
such considerations, would not long remain satisfied 
whilst living in the neglect of a positive important 
duty. Some time after this, he came to the reso- 
lution of taking the requisite steps for entering into 
communion with the church. 

One Sabbath morning he writes thus in his diary : 
* In the afternoon I intend, God willing, having 
some conversation with a friend on church commu- 
nion, and to make it a matter of prayer to God :" 
and in the evening he adds: " The afternoon was 
employed till three o'clock, as proposed; and the 
remaining part till six in reading and prayer to 
God, to ascertain if it was my duty to devote myself 
to him in this manner. May I not enter into this 
solemn engagement rashly, but with much prayer 
and meditation." 

The letter which he wrote to his pastor on the 
subject, on account of its excellence, and the general 
view it gives of his character and religious expe- 
rience, deserves, though long, to be inserted as a 
whole, and may be useful as a kind of model toother 
young persons in similar circumstances. 

" Dear Sir, 

u Since conversing with you on the 
subject of church communion, some hours have been 



82 

devoted by me to the contemplation of this important 
subject, which have chiefly been employed in an 
examination of my state and circumstances. Many 
are the conflicts within my breast, but the most 
powerful is, a fear lest 1 should deceive myself, my 
fellow mortals, and attempt to deceive God. But 
so far from this being my motive, I abhor and detest 
*he thought; and sincerely pray, that I may now be 
enabled to state my experience to you as in the sight 
of God, with the testimony of his spirit and my own 
conscience. Before I come to declare the manner 
in which I have been brought to the present state, it 
may not be amiss to lay before you the examination 
which I entered into with myself this morning. The 
questions proposed were: 1st, Have I ever expe- 
rienced a conviction of sin ? ^Jdly, Have I ever fled 
to Jesus for the remission of my transgression ? 
Sdly, Have I faith to believe in him as willing and 
able to forgive me ? and, 4thly, Do I possess love to 
God, and in what manner do I discover it ? 

a To these questions my answer was as follows : 
A strong conviction of sin, so as to be brought 
to despair, I never experienced ; but my convic- 
tions consisted in this, that often, after the com- 
mission of any sin, I was led to see my guilt, and 
to go and fall down before God, and supplicate par- 
don ; after which I formed resolutions never to com- 
mit the same again ; but a!as ! these were formed in 
jny own strength, as I found by woful experience; 



83 

for no sooner did Satan present his allurements, than 
I fell in with them; which, alter I had done, I en- 
deavoured to stifle conscience. But at other times 
the consideration of so many mercies and privileges 
enjoyed by me, would rush in with sur h irresistible 
force, that I could not at times tell what to do : to 
supplicate for pardon I thought I could not attempt, 
because I had so often done it, and fallen into the 
same sin. At other times, in order to humble my- 
self, I resolved to mortify my bodv ; but all this self- 
righteousness would not avail. Seeing that all my 
resolutions were vain, I determined at last to pray to 
God for assistance in overcoming my corrupt desires 
and youthful lusts : 1 was led to apply to Jesus as a 
mediator, and to crave full remission of all mine ini- 
quities. I knew of no other name under Heaven 
whereby I could be saved, and I was constrained to 
£0 and make known to him my supplications. 

" With such a view of my state, and by thus ap- 
plying to Christ, had I not believed him to bean 
omnipotent Saviour, and one who is ready and wil- 
ling to accept ol any who come unto him, I could 
not have found any peace to my mind. But from 
such a sight as this, no heart could refrain from 
emotions of love and gratitude. 

u Thus, dear Sir, I have answered the several 
questions proposed to myself by way of examination. 
I now come to give you a more general view of the 



S4 

Lord's dealings with me, in the several stages of life 
through which I have passed, and to assign some 
reasons for being proposed as a candidate to a 
church of Christ. 

" As it respects the period from which I may date 
rny conversion, it is impossible for me to determine 
it; for, having been blessed with religious parents, 
and their salutary instructions being constantly in- 
stilled into my mind, reproving me when I acted 
wrong, and manifesting their approbation when I 
was obedient and respectful, I could not, from my 
earliest infancy, act contrary to their commands 
without feeling some severe reproaches of conscience. 
I did not feel that pleasure in religion then as I hope 
I have since ; but I could not refrain from attending 
public worship. 

" Thus did T proceed till my education was nearly 
finished; toward the close of which, I delighted in 
frequent retirement, walking alone, and bringing my- 
self sometimes into a train of meditation. When I 
could do this, I found it would bear reflexion better 
than if I had been associating with my companions. 
All this while prayer was not neglected ; nor could I 
find rest to my mind if I forgot, or did not offer up 
my morning and evening sacrifices. Such were my 
views and experience through the younger part of 
life; besides this, I had many struggles with evil 
thoughts and base passions; too often I indulged 



So 

them, instead of expelling them from my soul. In- 
numerable were the resolutions I formed at different 
nines ; but [ found them of no avail ; I was like the 
sow wallowing in the mire, or the dog returning to 
his vomit again. In an imperceptible manner I was 
led to pray for the pardon of my sin, and earnestly 
to intreat God that, if I had hitherto been deceiving 
myself, he would mercifully be pleased to become 
my guardian and guide, and lead me in the right 
way, as I was incapable of directing myself. I was 
farther led to intreat, that he would grant me divine 
assistance to conquer the evils which were so predo- 
minant in me; this he has been pleased to grant; 
and I bless God that I can say I find no solid plea- 
sure in any thing which the world can offer; that 
there is no real satisfaction in them, and that vanity 
is strongly marked on all its gifts. When I can 
retire from the busy scene of life, strongly impressed 
with a sense of the omniscience and omnipresence of 
Jehovah ; when I can with liberty of soul address him 
in a familiar manner, calling him my Father and the 
Guide of my youth ; when I can look backward, and 
bless him for having led me thus far ; when I can 
look forward to death, and see Jesus standing by me 
to support me ; when I behold myself breathing out 
my last, and exclaiming, € O Death, where is thy 
sting? O Grave, where is thy victory V when I C3n 
anticipate those joys which eye hath not seen, and 
which ear hath not heard ; when I can represent to 
myself, with the eye of faith, myriads of angels, arch- 
i 



86 

angels, and glorified spirits, bowing before the Al- 
mighty, and casting their diadems at his feet — these 
anticipations tend to make me exclaim, One hour 
spent in communion with God is better than a thou- 
sand elsewhere. These things fill my heart with love, 
and I could, and do call upon my soul, and all that 
is within me, to bless his holy name. 

" Much more relating to my experience might be 
adduced ; such as the temptations of Satan ; some- 
times resisting them, and with Joseph saying, 'How 
can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?' 
at other times falling under them, and with Peter 
being sifted like wheat, returning to God with tears, 
and with a heart conscious of having sinned against 
him. 

" Again, much might be said of my feelings and 
state cf mind at different periods ; sometimes full of 
fears, at others having clear prospects ; now dull and 
stupid, and quite insensible to all the mercies be- 
stowed upon me; then lively, and animated with gra- 
titude to the Bestovver of all good ; sometimes la- 
menting over my imperfections, and wishing to be 
made more holy in all manner of conversation; 
watching and praying with more fervour, lest I 
should enter into temptation ; relying more upon 
God, and looking to him for direction and wisdom ; 
at other times thinking myself capable of doing all 
things in my own strength, but I soon find myself 



87 

deceived, and brought into the valley of humilia- 
tion." 

Then follows a brief confession of faith, men- 
tioning only the most important and fundamental 
doctrines; in which, speaking of the Bible as an 
inspired volume, he says, " I know of no other 
writings which are so admirably calculated to heighten 
the pleasures of life, or to administer support in ad- 
versity." 

He then concludes by saying : "It may be required 
of me, perhaps, to assign a few reasons why I wish 
to enter into church fellowship, and why into this 
church. The first reason I assign is, Because Christ 
has appointed such an institution, and it is the duty 
of every one professing to be a Christian to comply 
with his commands. Secondly, I would wish to enter 
into church communion, because it may be, by the 
blessing of God, a restraint upon me, and induce me 
to watch more narrowly over my actions, and that I 
may thereby live more devoted to his service.— 
Thirdly, I wish to join this church, that I may be 
interested in the prayers of its members, and that we 
may be fellow-helpers of each other, until we arrive 
at the church triumphant in glory. 

" Thus I have given you a view of my inmost 
heart. I trust I feel the importance of what I have 
been declaring : it has been accompanied with sin- 
cere and ardent prayer to God, that he would direct 



8S 

me in writing these lines; and, may I intreatyou to 
join with me 3 that, after having thus publicly declared 
myself to be the Lord's in an everlasting covenant, 
I may never be suffered to draw back into perdition,, 
but that I may persevere resisting even unto blood, if 
called to it, rather than turn aside to the right hand 
or to the left. May I be enabled to copy the ex- 
ample of Jesus, to take up my cross and follow him. 
He has promised never to leave or forsake me ; and 
he is not a man that he should break his promises. 
May God Almighty preserve me from being a 
Judas; and, at any time when I may be inclined to 
take a wrong step, may you, who are over me in the 
Lord, and my fellow-members, admonish me with 
Christian charity and kindness; thus prays 

" Your most humble servant, 

ft J. Clement." 

This full and simple statement of his religious ex- 
perience, which must have been highly satisfactory 
to any church, was laid before the church of Christ 
at Weymouth ; and on the evening on which it was 
read, he wrote in his diary thus : <s This evening my 
experience of the Lord's dealings with me has been 
laid before his people : whether their hearts re- 
joice, or are raising objections, I know not. I wish 
to act as in the sight of God. I would examine my 
motives and the spring of action : if I know my own 
heart, it is not from any base motive ; I wish not to 
<?ain the applause of man, but to promote the glory 



S9 

of God, and the advantage of my own soul. May 
this solemn dedication of myself to God excite to 
greater watchfulness. I rejoice that I am thus en- 
abled in my youth to choose God as my portion and 
my guide. I cannot commit myself to better hands. 
May I be more sanctified and devoted to thy service !" 

On seeing the Lord's Supper administered for the 
first time, he says : " In the afternoon I attended on 
the administration of the Sacrament, in which, I 
bless God, T felt highly interested and grateful, 
especially in the prospect of its being soon my happy 
lot to communicate with the people of God in this 
institution." 

In prospect of being admitted, he writes thus i- 
i To-morrow is the day when my experience of what 
God has done for me will be read before the church. 
Oh, that the prayers which have been offered up 
this morning may be heard ; may I never bring a 
scandal on religion ; may God enable me to act cir- 
cumspectly as becometh a Christian. God is calling 
upon thee, my soul, to give thyself up to him ; let 
me ask thee, what are thy motives ? Thou surely 
wouldst not approach the table of the Lord rashly ; 
thou wouldst not sit down and partake of the bread 
and wine, emblem of the. Saviour's body and blood, 
with indifference. Be humble in sackcloth and ashes 
on account of thy depraved and wicked nature; and # . 
when thou givest up thyself, remember it is nothing 
i 3 



90 

but a wretched and sinful heart thou canst present ; 
and pray to God so to mould it, that it may be in- 
fluenced to act for his glory ." 

On being actually admitted, he writes thus : " God 
has been better to me than all my fears ; he has ex- 
ceeded all my expectations; for this evening the 
things which he has done for me have been laid 
before his people ; and they, without one word of 
objection, have received me into their fellowship. I 
am now seventeen years of age ; and what a pleasing 
reflexion, that I can, at this early period, give up my- 
self to God ; but let him have all the glory for his 
great name's sake. God grant that I may act as 
becometh the Christian ; that I may feel more of 
the power of divine truth on my heart; be more 
humble, teachable, and spiritual ; see more of the 
preciousness of Christ. And, oh ! thou God of 
Mercy, as thou hast brought me hitherto, be pleased 
still to support me with thy promises; enable me to 
give up all for Christ; to part with the world, with 
sin, and the indulgence of flesh and blood ; and let 
me be wholly thine. When I approach the sacred 
table, may I behold the Saviour as dying for my sins, 
and may my soul be drawn out in love to him. Oh ! 
thou blessed Jesus, if I have been the means of cruci- 
fying thee once, forbid that I should do it again by 
my unholy walk and conversation. To thee I com- 
mit myself; take my heart as it is, and mould it as 
thou seest fit." 



91 

On the evening of the Sabbath on which he had 
made his first approach to the table, the following 
reflexions are recorded in his diary : " This afternoon 
I have been admitted, for the first time, to sit down 
with the disciples of Jesus at his table, where, I hope, 
I was leaning on his bosom ; but though faith was 
sometimes representing him to me in his sufferings 
and death, though I could behold him in that agony 
which drew from his lips those words, ' My God, my 
God, why hast thou forsaken me?' Yet I could have 
wished to enter more into his feelings, to perceive by 
faith more of his preciousness, his value, and his love ; 
but, perhaps, God has reserved these extatic joys for 
another season. My prayer before taking the bread 
was, l that God would mercifully be pleased to bestow 
himself as the living bread on my soul, that I may 
be enabled to go from strength to strength/ Before 
the wine — c That, as this represented the blood of 
Christ, so the spirit might be infused into my heart, 
and be seen through the whole tenor of my life and 
conversation.' I can say that my soul was led to 
feed on Christ, and to praise him for what he had 
wrought. When I consider that my dear parent had 
been the instrument, in the hand of God, of con- 
vincing me of sin, my heart overflowed with joy. 
May I live in a manner worthy of my profession, 
and be a burning and a shining light, an epistle 
known and read of all men." 

He attended on the next church meeting, at which 



92 

Some accusations were alledged against an old mem- 
ber, on which he says : " Oh ! how much need have 
I of watchfulness, lest I enter into temptation. Be 
my guard, Almighty Father, I beseech thee, for thy 
name's sake. By the evil reports raised against thy 
chosen, may I learn to exercise more dependence on 
thee, and less on myself; and may I reap instruction 
from every occurrence in life." 

After partaking of the ordinance a second time* 
he observes : " I was engaged again in approaching 
the table of my dying Lord ; but a question arises, 
Can I call Jesus my Lord ? What evidence have I 
that I am admitted into his favour ? I find myself 
guilty; I flee to him, for I have no where else to 
flee ; here I find peace to my soul. I bless him that 
he is so ready to receive me, and I wish to be more 
holy, and to avoid piercing him afresh by. my sins, 
These are my proofs of interest in his favour; and 
thus I have some ground of hope, that I do not par~ 
take of this ordinance to my own condemnation ; 
by my conduct may I testify that it is an edifying 
institution, that it inspires me with fresh vigour in. 
the ways of God/' 

In view of the approaching solemnity, he thus 
writes : " Next Sabbath is the day when L shall sit 
down at the table of the Lord : shall I eat unworthily, 
and be bringing down curses upon my head ? Oh ! 
my soul, examine thyself; consider the vows of God 






93 

nre upon thee; that it behoves thee to do the will of 
God and not only profess it; intreat God to prepare 
thy heart for the solemn ordinance, to permit thee to 
eat the body of Christ, and to drink his blood." On a 
subsequent ordinance day, he was indulged with a 
good opportunity, and he says in his diary : ■" The 
administration of the Sacrament was particularly 
sweet. Oh ! how did my heart rejoice at Jesus' 
name; and I resolved to make his life more my 
study, that so I might delight in him more. How 
mean did I appear in mine own eyes, and how ex- 
alted was Christ! This was a little Heaven below, 
and faith was in lively exercise." 

In a letter to an intimate friend, after he had been 
at the table, he writes thus : 

<( I have felt somewhat comfortable at the feast 
of tave to which we have been admitted. My hard 
heart, even mine, has been melted, and filled with 
wonder and astonishment at the love and conde- 
scension of Jesus, who left his Father's bosom to 
suffer in our stead. And when I reflect on the man- 
ner in which I have been made a partaker of divine 
grace — that the precious seeds were sown at my 
birth, and have been springing up through the years 
of infancy, childhood, and youth — that they were 
nourished and cherished by tender parents, who used 
? 'heir endeavours to cultivate these plants ; oh! how 
would I testify my love to my blessed Redeemer ; X 



94 

would not suffer one relapse to take place into hea- 
viness and indifference; I would live in continued 
intercourse with Jehovah, the Father of my Spirits ; 
I would soar to Heaven, and, standing on its threshold, 
mingle my song with the thousands around the throne. 
But ah ! soon my spirits flag and droop, my faith 
fails, and I am without a prop ; I am convinced that 
I have not passed Jordan, but am travelling through 
a thorny wilderness, where the briars frequently en- 
tangle, and stop my progress. But though this is my 
situation, you, perhaps, are swallowed up in love to 
Christ, and at all times enjoying communion with 
God. I would pronounce you a happy soul were 
this your case ; but I know well it is not the happy 
lot of any Christian to be enjoying the presence of 
his God at all times, but let us lift up our feeble 
voices in the highest strains of mortals, and bless 
God that he has brought us on thus far toward heaven, 
our native place. May we be persevering, fighting 
the good fight of faith, and looking forward to a 
crown of glory which fadeth not away." 

Not only did he thus publicly devote himself to 
God, but he was anxious to exhort, direct, and en- 
courage others to give themselves up to the Lord 
in a perpetual covenant. Writing to a young friend 
who was hesitating on the subject, he says : 

" You tell me you have long been halting between 
two opinions, whether you s.hould join the church of 



95 

Christ or not; and that you have been deterred from 
saying any thing about it, for fear you should be an 
unworthy member thereof; but. banish such doubts 
as these; though you may think yourself unworth} r , 
God does not ; he orders his servants to go out into 
the highways and hedges, and to compel sinners to 
come in. We ought to feel our own unworthiness, 
but do you think yourself unfit? If you wait till you 
think yourself ready, the time will never arrive. You 
will be continually building up and "pulling down. 
But do you suppose it presumption ? Let me ask, can 
you devote yourself to God too soon ? You will an- 
swer, no. Then, my dear friend, go, fall down before 
the adorable Being, and with your heart, life, and 
tongue, give yourself up to him. In this consists 
all your preparation for partaking of the Lord's 
Supper. 

u But, say you, I am afraid I shall eat and drink 
unworthily, and thereby eat and drink damnation to 
myself. This has distressed many, and prevented 
them from partaking of this feast of love provided 
for them ; but they read only a part of sacred writ, 
and on this they dwell, without taking into consider- 
ation the other part. If you only read 1 Cor. ii. 27, 
you may possibly never be admitted into communion 
with the church. But the Apostle, well aware of the 
temptation which Satan might suggest, adds in the 
following verse: " But let a man examine himself, 
and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that 
cup. 



96 

" Examine yourself then by the word of God, as to 
your views and aims in entering into this covenant 5 
try well the state of your heart before God ; sit down, 
and count the cost before you enter upon the solemn 
duty incumbent on you ; and beg assistance from 
God to assist you in the faithful discharge' of those 
numerous duties devolving on you. As an acceptable 
communicant, you should be daily repenting of sin, 
confessing and forsaking it, seeking an interest in 
Christ, aiming to imitate him in doing good, exer- 
cising faith in God, and love towards him, and culti- 
vating genuine humility. You have examined your- 
self by Doddridge ; 1 would also recommend you to 
examine yourself by the unerring standard of truth, 
the Bible ; this is the surest ground on which you 
can tread. 

" You desire me to give you my opinion respecting 
your becoming a communicant. You see already 
what I have stated ; and, if I may judge, I think no 
presumption can be laid to your charge, but instead 
of this, it discovers that you are in earnest to serve 
God, and live to him, which I hope he will enable 
you to do, after having thus solemnly dedicated your- 
self to him. And give me leave to warn you of being 
very circumspect and watchful over your thoughts, 
words, and actions, as the least thing you do amiss 
will be taken notice of, and it will be said, ' This is 
one of your church communicants.' May you be. 
enabled to watch and pray. By thus dedicating your- 



97 

self to God, you may be a means of inducing other 
young persons to come forward, and with you to 
give themselves up to God. I conclude the subject 
by informing you, that, before you are proposed as a 
member, it will be necessary for you to have some 
conversation with Mr. Cracknel], and, perhaps, one 
of the deacons, who will examine you as to your ex- 
perience. This I know is the manner in which they 
proceed at Poole." 

In a subsequent letter to the same friend, he says: 
u I am truly thankful to God for the favours which 
he has bestowed, that he has enabled me, by writing, 
to encourage you to give up yourself to him; but 
still you are afraid that you shall not be able to dis- 
close your mind to Mr. Cracknell. If you find any 
difficulty in this, believe me to be at your service; 
and as I am better acquainted with him than you are, 
at his return I will mention it to him that you are 
desirous of becoming a member of his church, at the 
am e time begging him to give you a call, that you 
may be able to disclose your mind to him more fully. 
In the mean time, may you endeavour to prepare for 
the solemn period ; and may God, who is all-suffi- 
cient, assist you in this most important act. You 
will, perhaps, feel great perturbation before this pe- 
riod approaches, but stay yourself upon God, and the 
happiness you will experience, after having given 
yourself up to God to be his in an everlasting cove- 
nant never to be forgotten, will far outweigh any 

K 



98 

thing which you may feel before. I anticipate that 
Sabbath when I shall behold you partaking of the 
body and blood of Christ represented by the bread 
and wine; the joys which you will then feel will be 
somewhat similar to those which are felt in the upper 
and better state. How will you be melted, when you 
enter your closet after the conclusion of the service., 
to think that God has accepted you through his be- 
loved Son." 

Such was his character as a communicant — would 
that our churches abounded with such members, 
actuated by similar motives in coming forward to the 
table of the Lord, animated by similar desires in 
their approach, and satisfied v.ith nothing short of 
the actual reception of those benefits connected with 
with a worthy receiving of ihe body and blood of 
the Lord. Then, instead of having to mourn over 
the deadness, carnality, and earthly-rnindeclness of 
many who call themselves members, we shou Id-have 
to rejoice over those who are alive to spiritual things, 
and truly devoted to God. 



HIS REGARD TO THE SABBATH. 

" Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath-day" 
is the solemn injunction of the Great Legislator; and 
what he has enjoined as a duty is, in the estimation 
of the truly devout, a great privilege : he calls the 



9D 

Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, and honour- 
able. Every hour of it he considers as sacred to 
God and the soul; and he aims to improve the sacred 
season for spiritual purposes. The estimation in 
which our young friend held the Sabbath-day was 
great, and his wish to improve it was ardent. 

In a letter to his mother, he gives a particular ac- 
count of the manner in which he spent his Sabbaths: 
" By your leave," says he, u I will give you an ac- 
count of the manner in which I spend my Sabbaths, 
that thus 3 T ou may be enabled to make a comparison 
between my Sabbaths here and while with you. I 
attend on a prayer-meeting in the morning,- I return, 
and generally enter into my closet, and profess to 
pray to God ; after this, I read a portion of Scrip- 
ture, and go down to breakfast. When this is over, 
I take some good book, and, if nothing prevent?, 
I read till service time; after service is over, I return; 
business occupies me till dinner; so that I have no 
opportunity of retiring. I again attend the house of 
prayer ; and on my return, if any thing is to be done 
for the sick, I do it, and the interval, if any, between 
the afternoon and evening services is employed in 
reading, or writing the text. I enter the presence of 
God a third time, and after the service I take a walk 
with my friend B****, to converse on religious to- 
pics, which conversation, I hope, is not entirely des- 
titute of instruction. About nine I go in, and after 
supper I retire to rest, when T perform the same du- 



100 

ties as in the morning. This, with a few deviations, 
is the true manner in which I spend the Lord's-day f 
In his diary he writes thus : " What different views 
I have on the Sabbath from those which I have on 
another day ! Religion seems important, my soul is 
solemn, my thoughts are heavenward, Satan has no 
dominion, and I can truly say, that these are my 
best days." 

How solicitous he was to improve the Sabbath 
may be seen by the following extracts from his diary: 
" Now, my soul, another precious Sabbath is ended ; 
the golden moments have run their round, and I am 
nearer death, eternity, heaven, or hell. Are not 
these serious thoughts ? Yes, they are ; examine into 
thy own state ; try thyself, and see whether thou hast 
improved, whether thou art advanced in thy journey 
heavenward ; ask if mercies have been abused, the 
Gospel despised, and Christ neglected? or, ask thy- 
self, if thou art the Lord's in an everlasting cove- 
nant, and if thou hast renewed thy strength by waiting 
on the Lord. For all the sermons I hear an account 
must be given : all my motives in going to hear are 
likewise recorded; what profit T have derived from 
healing the word ; how far I have reduced it to prac- 
tice. This is an important point to be noticed ; and 
let me immediately ask, how shall I reduce to prac- 
tice what I have heard this day ?" 

At the close of a Sabbath, on which he had enjoyed 



101 

much of the divine presence, and his soul had heen 
alive in the service of God, he writes in the following 
animated strain : iC Now I am about to close the 
da}\ When i began 1 was sorrowful, now 1 am re- 
joicing; I then was mourning over sin, now I am 
triumphing in a Saviour ; I was full of doubts, but 
they are removed ; my sins are pardoned ; God is 
reconciled; communion with him has been enjoyed; 
fresh vigour is given me; and I shall now be able, 
in his strength, to encounter the difficulties of the 
<ensuing week. Oh ! what a blessed day has this 
been : a day to be remembered; it has been a jubilee 
indeed to me. I have been roused from a state of 
drowsiness and inactivity to a life of vigorous exer- 
tion. Oh i then let me value Sabbaths : let me live 
nearer to God. I shall now close the day, by pe- 
rusing the word of God, by prayer and meditation. 
And now I hope, I have advanced one step towards 
that eternal Sabbath above, where 

* Sin, my worst enemy before, 
Shall vex my eyes and ears no more/ 

May God enable me to make daily advances to that 
celestial city, and to those mansions where all is hap- 
piness and peace. I implore it for the Redeemer's 
sake." 



k 3 



102 



SECTION nr. 

HIS PIETY DISPLAYED IN HIS CONDUCT AS A 
MEMBER OF CIVIL SOCIETY. 

Having thus glanced at the character and conduct 
of our young friend in the closet, and in the sanc- 
tuary, we will now follow him into the world, and 
see how religion accompanied him into all the com- 
mon walks of life, and sanctified all his actions and 
enjoyments. 



HIS IMPROVEMENT OF PROVIDENTIAL OCCUR- 
RENCES. 

He was a very careful observer of Providence ; 
and almost every occurrence of any importance fur- 
nished him with matter for serious reflexions and 
ardent supplications. Having received information 
of the death of an intimate and esteemed friend, he 
says, in a letter to his parents : "'I have lately been 
informed of the death of Mr. D #### , but I am in 
hopes it will prove otherwise. If Death's shafts have 
been flying about him, and have wounded him in a 
mortal manner, if this news be true, 1 have lost a 
friend, and one much esteemed by me; but shall I 
murmur at the dispensations of Providence ? God 






103 

forbid ! But if it really be so, may I improve the 
awful moment; may I be taught by it to number my 
clays so as to apply my heart unto wisdom : our loss 
will be his gain. When any of our fellow-creatures 
are conveyed to the house appointed for all the 
living, may serious thoughts occupy our minds ; 
may it be a silent monitor to remind us of our own 
mortality, and cause us to put our house in order, 
that whenever it may be the Lord's will to call us 
hence, we may be ready, having our lamps trimmed 
and burning, that we may enter into the marriage- 
supper of the Lamb." 

Hearing of the death of a young person at Ware- 
iiam, he says, in another letter : " I am very sorry 
to hear that ## * B ## * is departed this life ; what 
a plain proof is this that life is short! He was to all 
appearance just in the bloom of life; and why has 
God dealt so mercifully with me ? why has he not 
cut me off from the land of the living, and summoned 
me to appear before his dread tribunal? It is because 
of his tender mercy, and his unbounded love. 1 hope 
lie has designed me for future usefulness " 

On having received journeying mercies, he writes 
thus : "Through the tender mercies of an all-gracious 
God, we arrived at Weymouth in perfect health and 
safety, about six o'clock in the evening. When I 
take a review even of this short journey, and con- 
sider how many accidents might have befallen us, it 



104 

should fill me with praise and thanksgiving. May I 
daily devote myself unto him from whom I receive 
so many mercies." 

Being informed of the death of a } r oung man, he 
expresses himself thus, in a letter to his mother : 
u God is speaking to me, not only in his word, but 
also by his providence, and is saying, c Set thine 
house in order, for thou shalt die and not live;' 
for yesterday I was informed of the death of a 
young man, who had just entered on his twenty-first 
year. May I number my days, and apply my heart 
unto wisdom. It may, for aught I know, be my turn 
next to leave this world, and enter on eternity : God 
grant that I may not be taken hence before I am 
ready : and, oh ! ma}- I not defer it time after time, 
but may God assist me to prepare my heart daily, 
and make death familiar to myself. I would devote 
myself to the service of God. I would follow Christ 
whithersoever he leads; and may I so live, that, 
when the hour of death comes, I may have nothing 
to do but to die." 

Having found a person a corpse whom he went to 
see, he says in his diary : u At eight I visited one, 
with a design to converse with him upon the state of 
his soul j but, alas ! I found him a corpse ; his spirit 
had departed from him, and had fled to the tribunal 
of God, where it may soon be my lot to stand. From 
hence I returned home, and conversed with a friend 



105 

on the important subject. Conversation employed me 
till some time after nine, when I visited a friend on a 
sick bed. What opportunities of instruction are 
these, and what lessons should they teach me! But, 
alas, how dull am I ; how foolishly do I act! These 
things are not sufficiently impressed on my heart. 
Oh ! that they were more so, and that 1 had the 
image of death always before me/' 

On the death of another young friend, he expresses 
himself thus : u Since I wrote last, a young person 
has been snatched away in the full bloom of life. 
Awful warning! how solemn the thought, that the 
places which now know us shall soon know us no 
more. He is gone ! Let it make a deep impression ; 
let me not forget that I must soon follow : may I be 
more watchful and attentive to the interests of my 
immortal soul." 

On the fall of some professor of religion, he says: 
" We have lately heard of a professor falling away, 
and returning to the world. This has excited pity 
in my breast towards him ; and I have prayed to God 
to restore him. It has also made me fear lest I 
should fall next, and bring disgrace upon religion : 
may I daily feel my own weakness, and apply to 
Christ for strength." 

On the loss of the Earl of Abergavenny East India- 
man off Portland, he inserted a particular account of 



106 

the melancholy catastrophe in his diary. Full of 
sympathy, he ran to the relief of the unfortunate. 
<e From eight till near three/' says he, te was em- 
ployed in endeavouring to recover a serjeant who 
lost himself in trying to save his wife. He was 
taken up, and brought in with some faint symptoms 
of breath; the means were employed for six hours 
successively without avail. The whole of the after- 
noon I have been employed in attending to the wants 
of others; and from half past eight till ten in writing 
a letter for a lad named William Thurlow, who had 
promised Edmund Boggess, when in the long-boat, 
if he were saved, to write to his friends. It was a 
mutual agreement. This I did for him, not being 
able to write himself. Thus I hope 1 have been use- 
fully employed to-day for my fellow-creatures. But, 
when 1 consider the loss of parents in their children, 
children in their parents, and brothers in brothers, 
it makes my heart bleed and my blood run cold. 
Oh! that the recollection of this awful providence 
may awaken in me great gratitude, greater diligence 
.and activity ,• that while I live 1 may live to God, 
that so I may be prepared to meet him how soon 
soever he may call." 

When a neighbouring foe threatened to invade 
our shores, and the whole country was thrown into a 
state of consternation, he wrote a letter to his parents 
on the subject, which displays at once his patriotism 
and his piety j and as it gives a lively description of 



107 

the means resorted to in order to ward off the blow, 
and shews how he improved every event by serious 
reflexion, it deserves to be inserted as a whole. 



Weymouth, Oct. 14th, 1803. 
* Dear Parents, 

" No doubt you are making- 
great preparations to attack an invading foe. Ac- 
counts have been received here from Lord Dorchester 
by the captains of the volunteer corps, who writes to 
know how many of their men are willing to enter on 
permanent duty and pay. This night they begin to 
mount a guard to patrole the coast around: the 
reason of this is, that government, having received 
accounts that the French are making the most active 
preparations, and have even embarked some of their 
men, they judge it necessary to set a watch round 
the coast; and as Poole and Weymouth are sea-port 
towns, they think it highly necessary to keep a good 
look out; this is the report circulating here at pre- 
sent. 

" Mr. Bryer is entirely disengaged from any corps, 
but he has offered his services as a surgeon to assist 
the wounded. I am likewise to attend with him ; 
the scheme for the escape of the other part of 
the family is laid out, but we are to remain here. 
All our instruments are in good order. Mr. B. has 
been shewing me the manner of applying the different 



108 

kinds of tourniquets. I have been spreading the ad- 
hesive plaister on leather, which is for slight wounds 
only. JN early all our crooked needles are threaded 
with ligatures; indeed we may say we are quite 
ready. The orders which we have received from our 
commander are, in case of alarm, we are not to move 
out of the house, but to remain in it, to receive any 
commands or countermands which he shall think 
proper to give, to which we have all assented ; this is 
at present the state of affairs here. 

But this is writing without thinking. The horrors 
of war have not been experienced by us as vet; we 
have heard but not seen. Happy are those who can 
rely on God ; such will not fear death, but with the 
greatest bravery and unanimity stand forth in defence 
of their country ; and J hope there are many Gardi- 
ners amongst us, -who are not dismayed at the threats 
of an audacious enemy, but, with God on their side, 
will go forth, and humble their proud spirits. This 
is a time when the nation needs our prayers ; let us 
be ardent aud sincere in our petitions ; let us not 
trust to an arm of flesh, but employ the means of 
defence, and leave the success to the LoM of Hosts. 
May we be enabled to acquit ourselves as patriots of 
our country, and as good soldiers of Jesus Christ. 
What has a Christian to fear! though he knows he 
has sinned against God, yet, having mourned over 
his sin, and cast himself upon Christ, with this sup- 
port he can look forward to an eternal world with 



109 

pleasure; and should God, in his all-wise providence, 
over-rule these events, so as to render ineffectual the 
boasts of the enemy, let us not sink into a state of 
supineness and unthankfulness, but may praise era- 
ploy our tongues through the remainder of our days. 
Accept these few hints from 

" Your most dutiful son, 

" John Clement.'* 

"" P. S. Since 1 began writing this, I have heard that 
all the volunteers round this neighbourhood are to as- 
semble in this town, and to be quartered in the bar- 
racks. I assure you we very seriously expect an 
attack, and that very soon. May we be prepared to 
meet our fate, whatever it may be." 



IMPROVEMENT OF SEASONS. 

As he was careful to improve circumstances, he 
was no less concerned to improve seasons. The fol- 
lowing reflexions on the revolution of the seasons 
are contained in a letter addressed to his parents. 

" Now let me fill up the remaining part of this 
sheet with a few reflexions. This is a part of the 
year called Autumn. We have been preserved by 
the tender care of a kind Providence to behold the 
Spring blooming forth, next the Summer, and now 

L 



110 

the mellow Autumn presents itself to our view. 
What may we learn from these revolutions which 
Nature is <ever performing? The Spring represents 
youth in all its vigour, when the mind is not wearied 
with the cares of this life. The Summer presents a 
striking picture of one advanced to all the hurry and 
bustle of business. The Autumn represents the man 
who has gone through the stages of youth and man- 
hood, and is descending the hill of life; and if we 
proceed further, and take a view of Winter, we shall 
perceive that this season of the year bears a great 
resemblance to that period of life when every thing 
recedes from the view, and to those days in which 
we have no pleasure. May the seasons, which per- 
form their revolutions with such accuracy, ever yield 
us a subject for contemplation and reflection." 



His birth-daf%vas to him a solemn season, on which 
he took a retrospective view of life, particularly of 
the past year, and entered into resolutions respecting 
his future conduct. On this day he always wrote a 
long letter to his parents. A few extracts from these 
letters will serve to shew in what manner he en- 
deavoured to improve such seasons. 

His first letter on such an occasion, after leaving 
home, he begins thus : " I am in a strait betwixt 
two opinions respecting this eventful period of my 
life; whether I should rejoice on this day or be sad. 
Upon a review of life during the past year, how 



Ill 

uiach reason for lamentation, for humility, and for 
tamest prayer to God. I have reason to lament, on 
account of so many seasons passed away without 
improvement ; so many convictions disregarded ; so 
jnany resolutions violated ; and so many sins accu- 
mulated. How low jn the dust must I lie before 
God ; and, if I had my desert, I should lie as low in 
hell; but it is of the Lord's mercies that I am not 
consumed ; it is in and through Christ that I am the 
monument of mercy, free and unbounded. 1 have rea- 
son to be earnest in prayer, and I entreat you to unite 
with mc, that I may dedicate myself unto God for the 
future, body, soul, and spirit, which is my most rea- 
sonable service, and that his blessing may rest upon 
my endeavours to become a useful member of so- 
ciety." Then he takes a retrospective view of life, 
commencing with the period of infancy, and going 
through the several successive stages, enumerating 
bis various mercies. At the close, he looks forward 
to death, and says: " Oh, thou delightful subject to 
the Christian ! thou art the gate which opens eternal 
life to every one of God's children ; thou art the 
means of fixing them in a mansion prepared for 
them. If this is the delightful prospect, I could al- 
most wish thee to direct the arrow at me, and to 
strike the blow ; but let me wait my appointed time, 
for nature seems to shrink already. Yet, when thou 
shalt receive thy mandate, may each of us die tri- 
umphing over thee, and find that thou art but a 
kind messenger, to convey us to our Father's house." 






112 

In a second letter he says: "This day my eight- 
teenth year commences. Oh, for a retirement in some 
vast wilderness, where I might sum up my accounts, 
and balance my arrears. I did intend to rise early 
this morning, to have a solemn opportunity of re- 
viewing my life; of mourning over my negligence, 
abuse, and ingratitude, for mercies received ; of re- 
joicing on account of what God has done for me, 
and of dedicating myself afresh unto him ; but, alas ! 
sleep, my worst foe, had nearly deprived me of all 
my enjoyments." 

In his diary also he has noticed these periods. 
" This day/' says he, " completes my seventeenth 
year. This morning I was up early, and was enabled 
to dedicate m} T self to God ; to pray for the forgive- 
ness of my sins, for strength to resist temptation, 
and to lead a holy life. I this morning committed 
myself to God ; and I desire this evening earnestly 
to pray to him for support, assistance, and guidance 
through the checquered scenes of life. I am entirely 
dependant on the Lord, and I shall rest on his hands. 
I am a wonder to myself, and am astonished that I 
am alive. May the consideration of commencing 
another year, with the possibility of not- witnessing 
its close, urge me to live in a sober, righteous, and 
godly manner. Receive me into thine arms, O 
Lord; and do for me more than 1 can ask or 
think." 



113 

The next morning he writes thus: u This is the 
beginning of a year. How solemn the period of my 
existence I how earnestly ought I to pray for wisdom 
to direct me ! Perhaps, before the sun, which now 
shines upon me, may have hid adieu to the world, 
the healthful, blooming countenance may be changed 
for the wan pale visage: how important the question, 
am I prepared to die? and am I living as I shall 
wish I had when I come to die ? As to justifying 
myself, I cannot; and if I were to look to myself 
for preparation, I should never be ready; but, trusting 
in Jesus for the remission of my sins, I could now 
drop into the cold grave, and stand before the bar of 
God in the righteousness of Christ." 

On his next birth-day the following reflexions are 
found in his diary : iC Another year is added to my 
number : the eighteenth is arrived. I can say, that, 
on some seasons of the past year I can look back 
with pleasure; on others, and those the greater num- 
ber, only with regret. Some make their birth-day a 
festival; but [ would rather make it a day of humi- 
liation. I am afraid, as it were, to venture on another 
year, because of my treacherous, heart, which is so 
apt to wander." 

He improved the close of a year in the following 

animated and devotional manner; ''This day brings 

me to the close, not of a week oi\a month, but of a 

year. Solemn period ! Oh! that I could improve 

L 3 



114 

it as it deserves. It should be spent in mourning over 
sin; in praising God for all his mercies; in presenting 
humble supplications to his throne, for strength to 
serve him better for the ensuing year, to overcome 
the temptations of the devil, and to run with patience 
the Christian race. It should be devoted to prayer 
for his divine blessing to rest upon me for the coming 
year; for diligence in business, and fervour in spirit, 
that so I may serve the Lord. O grant, gracious 
God, that the ensuing year may find me walking 
closer with thee, having more faith in thee, over- 
coming my sins, following the example of Christ, 
that others seeing me may learn a lesson from me. 
Into thy hands I fall : I desire to have thee for my 
teacher and guide, O thou blessed Spirit, thou Al- 
mighty One. Be thou my refuge; comfort and 
encourage me ; let thy candle shine round about me ; 
give me zeal, but temper it with judgment. Lord, 
make me useful; work in me to will and to do of tin- 
good pleasure ; let me taste that thou art gracious, 
and find thy word sweeter than honey ; may it be the 
sincere milk of the word, that so it may nourish me 
for every trial ; these things I implore for the ensuing 
year, with a preparation for the eternal world, for the 
Redeemer's sake. Amen," 

The season of youth, which so many devote to 
folly and sin, he wished to devote to God, convinced 
that he deserves the best of our time, and that the 
prime and vigour of life ought to be consecrated to 



llo 

his service. Sensible of the dangers to which he was 
exposed, he solicited divine protection and guidance. 
Consciousof his own inexperience, heimploreddivine 
teaching. He frequently appeared before God in the 
character of a youth, and urged it as a plea for divine 
compassion and assistance. Such petitions as the 
following were frequent with him : " Gracious God, 
look down upon a poor, young, ignorant, and inexpe- 
rienced sinner: grant the sacred influences of thy Holy 
Spirit to be poured out upon him. As a little child 
I come to thee to be instructed, [f I examine myself 
as to my knowledge, 1 find that I am very ignorant ; 
that I know nothing as I ought to know. I am too 
apt to think myself wise ; but what a humbling 
thought is it, that many of the simplest things con- 
to unci me. I am but a child in stature; but how 
much lower do I sink as to knowledge, either natural 
or spiritual. I must com o are mvself to nothing but a 
bale: may I be received into the arms of Jesus — Oh ! 
have pity on a poor, young, and helpless creature, 
enable him to devote himself to thee, and to resist 
the allurements of a wicked world : he depends en- 
tirely upon thee, and would wish to make thee his 
portion for ever." 

He was sometimes tempted to indulge those 
thoughts which are too familiar with young people, 
respecting the probability of a long life; but when he 
found such thoughts rising in his mind, he soon 
checked them. " I that know not how soon mv 



116 

breath may be taken from me, am yet indulging 
myself with the idea of a Jong succession of years, 
and am thinking that because I am young, and enjoy 
the blessing of health, I shall live to a distant period, 
not considering that my life hangs on a slender 
thread, and that the next moment may put an end 
to my existence here, and I may be summoned to 
appear before the tribunal of God. If it were the 
will of God, I could wish to have the awful scene of 
a dying-bed always before me. May I labour to 
make my calling and my election sure, that when 
God calls, I may answer, Here I am, take me to 
thyself." 

Thus, from the various occurrences in Providence,, 
from the return of important seasons, and from ex- 
isting circumstances, he was led to derive motives to 
gratitude, devotion, and diligent preparation for 
futurity. He was continually breathing after greater 
attainments in divine things, forgetting the things 
which were behind, he reached forth to the things 
which were before. To urge himself to action, he 
frequently brought in review the various duties he 
had to perform. "The soul," he observes, "with 
its vast concerns, must not be neglected ; it must be 
attended to with the greatest diligence : here then is 
much work laid out for me: oh ! that God would 
enable me to perform it in a suitable manner." Again, 
" I ought constantly to rise early, uniformly read a 
portion of some good book, meditate upon my own 



117 

state, read the Scriptures with attention, pray in sin- 
cerity with earnestness and importunity,, which re- 
quires great self-knowledge : my conversation should 
be improving and useful; I should exercise vigilance 
over my actions; my thoughts should be continually 
employed on some good, and a review should take 
place every evening. 



DESIRE OF SPIRITUAL IMPROVEMENT. 

He was frequently breathing forth his earnest de • 
sire for yet greater improvement. In a letter to his 
mother he says, " Oh, that I could make greater pro- 
gress in the divine life; that I could walk more with 
God ; that I could tread in the footsteps of Jesus 
more than I do ; and that I could follow on to know 
the Lord ; these are my earnest desires at a throne 
of grace. May the Lord hear and answer/'—" How 
do I wish that I was established in the good ways of 
the Lord; that I was enabled to act more as becomes 
the Christian ; and that I enjoyed more communion 
with the Father of my Spirits." — " I pray God, that, 
if J know any thing of religion, I may know more 
of it; feel a greater interest in these important 
concerns; become more acquainted with my own 
heart ; maintain a closer walk with God ; and be 
daily preparing for an exchange of worlds. And, 
seeing T know not how short my time may be here 
below, may eternity occupy much of my thoughts < 



118 

may my sins be subdued ; may I be alive to every 
thing of a holy nature, and dead to every terrestrial 
enjoyment." 

On recovering from a temporary affliction, he 
recorded with grateful feelings the goodness of God, 
and used it as. an argument to increasing diligence,, 
i( Once more I come to record the goodness of God, in 
preserving me during a season of affliction. Oh ! that- 
this affliction may be sanctified ; may I learn why it 
was sent, and derive good from it. How weak am I 
in sickness! no life, no animation. I_ cannot excite 
myself to read, write, or pray, Seeing then that a 
time of sickness is not the time for exertion, let the 
season of health be more valued ; let prayer occupy 
more of my time ; let me, whilst in health, guard 
against that which will render a sick-becl uneasy ; 
make me grateful for the. restoration of health ; en- 
able me to apply my future time to greater improve- 
ment; let me grow in holiness, be thy servant, serve, 
thee here, and hereafter dwell near thy throne, for 
Christ's sake." On a similar occasion -afterwards, be 
says: "Through the tender mercies of an indulgent 
Creator, I am brought to this moment. He has 
been pleased to lay his afflicting hand upon me at 
the beginning of the week, but he is now removing 
it: may I improve the affliction, let it teach me to 
seek him who is God over ail, and blessed for ever." 

He felt a longing desire after holiness, and a meet- 



119 

ness for Heaven, which seemed to indicate that he 
was ripening apace for glory, and was soou to be 
removed to take possession of it. The following is 
extracted from his diary : " Had I not this body of 
sin and death, my soul would flee away; and, ming- 
ling with the hosts above, would sing more sweet, 
more loud, and Christ should be my song; but here 
I must sojourn and wait my appointed time till my 
change come. Whilst here, let me struggle hard ; 
let me fight with courage, and hate sin as my worst 
enemy; may I love Christ on earth, and clasp him 
to my arms in the article of death, as my passport 
4o Heaven." 

On another occasion he says : " Relying on Christ, 
may I look forward to futurity with pleasure; then I 
shall have laid aside every weight ; then I shall be en- 
abled to say, * I have fought a good fight, and finished 
my course ;' then I shall rejoice in being delivered 
from sinning against God, and in being engaged in 
praising him day and night without any im perfection . 

' O glorious hour, O blest abode, 
I shall be near, and like my God.' 

Ah ! I am tired of the world, it is such a hindrance 
to my flying soul; I am weary of my flesh, it so clogs 
my spirit. Oh ! could i read my title clear to man- 
sions in the skies, I would say this night, Come, 
Lord Jesus, come quickly ; I am now ready to be 
offered." Again ; " Forbid, O God, that sin should 



120 

have the dominion over Die ; keep me constantly in 
thy fear, worshipping thee in all thy appointed 
means. Let prayer be my breath, thy word my food, 
and thy spirit my life ; may I be continually exa- 
mining my own heart ; and, if I find the reading of 
the word of God to be delightful, all his ways to be 
pleasantness, and his paths to be full of peace, may 
I endeavour to recommend religion to others by my 
conduct." 

HAPPY SEASONS. 

Such Were the longing desires of his soul for higher 
degrees of spiritual attainments ; and it need not 
excite surprize, if, in the ardent pursuit of these, he 
was sometimes indulged with seasons of refreshing 
from the presence of the Lord ; if he was occasionally 
favoured with brighter views, and more exquisite 
enjoyments than those which fall to the lot of ordi- 
nary saints. 

A few such seasons he has recorded in his diary. 
In one part he writes thus : " What great things has 
the Lord been doing ; how great and marvellous in 
our eyes ! there has been a stirring amongst the dry 
bones : and I hope I am in some measure inte- 
rested" 

On another occasion he says : "lam about to lie 
down to rest, filled with that happy serenity, comfort, 



I2i 

and peace, which a reflexion on this day affords. 
Oh ! that I could spend each day as I have done 
this. How pleasing is the recollection of the hour 
spent in the morning. I can join with that cele- 
brated physician, Dr. Boerhaave, in saying, that an 
hour in the morning spent in divine meditations pre- 
pares a person to go through his ordinary business 
with greater perseverance and diligence." Again: — 
" I have been enabled to spend this day with great 
assiduity, and find much pleasure on reflexion. lean 
anticipate the joys I shall experience at my evening 
sacrifice ; for my mind seems to be in a worshipping 
frame. May God be present with me." In a sub* 
sequent part he expresses himself in the following 
animated manner: " The candle of the Lord is now 
shining upon me. Oh, what a happy and blessed 
time is it with mv soul now ! I seem to be making 
rapid advances heaven-ward ; yea even now to be on 
the threshold of heaven ; by enjoying sweet inter- 
course with God, I have a little heaven below. The 
Bible is so precious that I could not part with it ; it 
is my delight and my greatest pleasure. Sin and 
temptation seem to be removed; and all my thoughts 
are towards God, and delight in him ; and into this 
frame I was brought by hearing the sermon on Sun- 
day evening: oh! how did I feel when Mr. C. was 
speaking about the fervour and delight with which 
angels serve God in Heaven. Oh ! what a pleasant 
thing it is to be thus employed." 

M 



122 



HUMBLING VIEWS. 



But though our young friend was occasional^ 
permitted to ascend the mount of communion with 
God, on which occasion he was ready to exclaim 
with Peter, a It is good to be here ;" yet he was not 
allowed to stay there. He descended again, and was 
taught by painful experience, that he was yet a 
sojourner in a world of woe, and that he carried 
about with him a body of sin and death. He was 
frequently called to mourn over the remains of cor- 
rupt nature, the operation and occasional prevalence 
of which overwhelmed him with shame and remorse, 
and caused him to lie low in the dust of self-abase- 
ment before God. 

In a letter to his mother, soon after leaving home, 
he says : " You tell me that I seem to grow in grace 
faster than you do; but you would think differently if 
you knew all the thoughts which were continually 
crossing my breast. You experience none of the 
strong temptations which I do: you are an old tra- 
veller; I am but a young beginner: you are well ac- 
quainted with the devices of Satan; I am quite ig- 



Possessed of true humility, he was desirous to 
know the worst of himself. " My heart," says he, 
" is desperately wicked. I am not fully sensible of 



123 

the depravity of my nature. Do thou, O God, if it 
be thy will, discover to me what I am in thy sight, 
and then I shall mourn and weep bitterly on account 
of my manifold sins and transgressions." 

Sometimes, when in a dull., lifeless state, he ex- 
pressed his feelings of dissatisfaction with himself in 
very strong terms. The following portrait presents a 
very sombre hue, in which from the ardor of his feel- 
ings, we may easily imagine an excess of colouring: 
" What an unstable, mutable creature am I ? For 
some time past, I have experienced nothing of the 
power of religion in my soul; and have said in my 
heart, there is no reality in it; and what profit shall 
I get by waiting upon God. I have sometimes 
charged myself with being a hypocrite; unbelief has 
been very prevalent ; indeed, all has been dark, and 
so it still remains : no life in prayer, nothing to 
implore of God ; no communion with him; no so- 
lemnity on entering into his presence ; but if I go 
forward, my sins will increase, and become as a great 
mountain ; all my resolutions are broken ; time is 
passing as usual, and I am indulging myself, and 
loth to give up all for God and religion. To the 
black list of actual transgressions must be added sins 
of thought and of word: how heavy, how accumu- 
lated they are! I cannot pardon myself; nor en I 
hardly ask pardon of God, because I have offended 
him so often ; all I can do is to fly to Jesus ; and if I 
perish, I must perish at his feet." 



At the close of a day on taking a review, he says t 
u My course of life, if measured by this day, is as 
follows : rising early has not been its distinguishing 
characteristic; no examination has taken place; no 
meditation; wicked thoughts have been too much 
indulged; sincerity has had but a small share in my 
devotions ; and but a small portion of time has been 
allotted to these pursuits. I have advanced but 
little in the knowledge of my profession ; what I have 
studied has slipped my memory,, I vary much in 
my frames. Oh ! for more uniformity of conduct." 

He sometimes found himself in a state similar to 
that which the apostle Paul describes, in reference to 
himself, Rom. vii. 2£ — 23. " I delight in the law of 
God after the inner man," &c. &c. — (i I appear," says 
" he, a paradox to myself. I profess to be a child of 
God ; I delight in prayer; and never feel more happy 
than when I can have my heart filled with gratitude, 
and in a manner overloaded with the praises of God ; 
I love to read the word of God, and wish to do it 
attentively; I love to read also other pious books; I 
I can sometimes feel a pleasure in meditation : my 
desire is to live a holy life, and to be devoted to God, 
body, soul, and spirit ; I would never wish to enter- 
tain an evil thought, or utter an idle word; my desire 
is to be, ' diligent in business, fervent in spirit, 
serving the Lord.' But at other times, prayer is soon 
ended ; the reading of God's word is irksome and 
tedious ; J think sometimes I can gain no instruction 



125 

by going to a place of worship; I seem careles3 and 
indifferent about the concerns of ray immortal soul, 
not being well acquainted with its value ; all my 
purposes and resolutions for training myself to know- 
ledge are in vain. Thus I appear a perfect paradox." 

In another part he expresses himself, in strains of 
self-condemnation, thus: "I have lately been re- 
viewing my former writings. I there see that my 
time was employed in a more diligent manner; but 
that I had the same desires then as I have now. How 
lamentable a case is mine! All the Sabbaths Ihave 
had, all the sermons I have heard, all the books I 
have read, and all the resolutions I have formed, only 
tend to show that I have advanced no farther in the 
divine life; that I have made no growth in grace. 
Seldom is death before mine eyes, and it is but sel- 
dom that I think of the goodness of God with gra- 
titude; and, alas! my conduct testifies that I am 
repaying him evil for good. What then can I say of 
myself? I must pronounce myself, a vile hypocrite; 
I am a lover of self; and, even whilst I am writing 
this, presumption is saying, ' These bitter writings 
against thyself are a good sign !' 1 will not hearken 
to thee more; but here I will stand at the feet of 
Christ, and pray that, as 1 have a little head religion, 
he would give more heart religion. I will go no 
farther without his assistance; and, if he be pleased 
to bestow it upon me, my grateful heart shall praise 
him for it; but if, dreadful thought ! he leave me to 
m3 



196 

fill up the measure of my iniquity, I must acknow- 
ledge his justice even in hell." 

On taking a review of the past, and perceiving 
that he had wasted much time, he says : "It behoves 
me to lie low in the dust, I am easily tempted to 
"waste time, not only by omitting to rise early, but 
also by neglecting to improve it through the day. O 
time, thou art a dagger to my breast. Two years 
and a half I have been endeavouring, by vows and 
supplications to God, to remove this sin, and all of 
no avail. By this, God and my own soul have been 
neglected. How few good thoughts enter my mind ; 
how little gratitude to God for all his goodness, 
though ten thousand thousand precious gifts demand 
it. Oh! how lamentable ; but my heart is steeled ; 
I feel nothing of it. I sin against God with a high 
hand. Oh, when wilt thou lift up the light of thy 
countenance upon me, and grant me the joys of thy 
salvation r" 

In another part he writes thus : "Alas! this sum- 
mer has been a winter to me ; for I have experienced 
nothing of God's presence, and have forgotten those 
things which relate to my soul's welfare ; and, what 
is more lamentable, my affections are so lukewarm, 
that I have no ardent desire for the presence of God, 
and for the joys arising from devotion. I would fain 
live a holy life; but I have been wishing so long, 
without the accomplishment of my wishes, that I 



m 

now despair of ever tasting the joys arising from 
early communion with God. How much time do I 
waste! How much have I to redeem! I ousrht to 

o 

blush. Perhaps, if I knew precisely how much time 
was allotted me, 1 should value it more; but, though 
I know not but this may be my last day, yet pre- 
sumption creeps in and says, ' Can I die who am so 
young ?' " 

Will not every young person who reads this im- 
mediately recollect that similar thoughts have often 
occupied his heart; let him learn not to listen to pre- 
sumption, but to the voice of Providence : our friend 
is dead ! he died in the bloom of youth ! 

As an additional proof the humiliating views he 
entertained of himself, the following expressions are 
taken from his diary: " As to myself, my soul is 
neglected, with all her important concerns ; eternity 
is forgotten ; sloth is corrupting me, and idleness 
wasting me fast; inconstancy is my grand charac- 
teristic. This is my state; deplorable indeed. I am 
about, if spared, to make a vow unto the Lord, to 
give myself up to him, in a full dependance on him 
for help ; that so I may live a new life, being for the 
future more diligent and watchful, and endeavouring 
to improve every moment of my time." 

In a letter to an intimate friend, he says : " Ingra- 
titude is the dye into which my heart has been 



128 

cast ; and never did any thing take its colour so well ; 
all the washing and steeping in the hottest water 
floes not in the least remove it. It still retains its 
odious colour, and 1 almost despair of success in any 
of my attempts to remove it. Contempt and dis- 
obedience, with presumption, is a mixture of which I 
have been taking a dose, not every six hours, but 
every half hour; and, unfortunately for me, it has 
taken such an effect as to contaminate my whole 
life. My dear friend, God knows my heart, but, if 
I may judge, all my profession is hypocrisy; I am 
filling up the measure of my iniquity as fast as I 
can ; I am sealing my own condemnation ; and soon 
I shall be cut off, and hear the declaration, ' I know 
you not/ My sins are daily increasing; they are 
very aggravated ; I am sinning because grace 
abounds ; hell, I sensibly feel, is my desert ; and un- 
less Christ appear to clothe me with his righteous- 
ness, and renew me in heart and life, I must perish 
for ever. Pray for me then, I beseech you, pray 
that I may not deceive myself/' 



SPIRITUAL CONFLICTS. 

He was no stranger to spiritual conflicts with the 
great adversary, who goeth about as a roaring lion 
seeking whom he may devour ; who employs all his 
cunning, and all his power, to allure, deceive, and 
destroy ; who knows where the weakest part lies, and 



199 

where his attempts will most probably be crowned 
with success. With this powerful and cunning foe, 
our young friend was called frequently to combat, 
the result of which he sometimes recorded in his 
diary. 

At such seasons he fled to God as his only refuge. 
"May God," says he, "afford strength sufficient 
for me. Amidst the strongest temptations may he 
afford me help, and never leave me, nor forsake me. 
May he be a strong refuge, to which I may resort at 
all times ; may Satan never have the dominion over 
me; but, when he tempts me, may I resist him, so 
that he may flee from me : all my strength is to 
come from the Lord, and in him only do I trust." 
In another part he says : " How much need have I 
of watchfulness and prayer, seeing I am exposed to 
danger every moment. Keep me, O Lord, from 
sinning against thee, and wounding my own con- 
science, through the violence of youthful lusts." 

On the following day he expresses himself thus: 
" Last evening, after I had penned down my account, 
I had a combat with Satan, in which he overcame 
me. I was a long time struggling; and, at onetime, 
1 thought I had prevailed; but alas ! he was the 
conqueror. By this I have offended God ; and how 
great is my sin ! It deserves the severest punishment, 
to offend a Father who has brought me up, and 
watched over me with the greatest tenderness from my 



130 

very infancy. Base ingratitude! I deserve the severest 
part of hell ; but Gocl is still merciful; he is pre- 
venting me from sinking into despair. Were he to 
frown upon me, whither I should go, or what I 
should do, I know not. I would derive encourage- 
ment from the forbearance of God to repent; and I 
would resolve, in his strength, no more to commit 
this sin. Pardon all my offences, O Lord, and look 
on Jesus in my stead." 

Taking a retrospect of the past week one Sabbath 
morning, he says: "Many temptations have assailed 
me during the past week, and I have had some strug- 
gles with them. By the assistance of God, I have over- 
come some of them ; whilst in others, Satan had the 
advantage over me ; but now a returning Sabbath is 
arrived: welcome, sweet day of rest; This day, I 
hope, through the blessing of God, to gain strength 
against my adversary." 

On another occasion he says : " This day, when I 
entered into my room, Satan presented a temptation, 
evil thoughts were indulged, and serious might have 
been the consequences; but a stop was put to it, 
and, I hope, an everlasting stop. May I hate and 
detest sin more than ever. How dreadful is it, that, 
with all my profession, sin is so predominant ; but, 
because I profess religion, Satan aims at me, and 
exerts superior power; but now, in the strength of 
God, I say unto thee, ' Thou father of lies, thou de- 






131 

ceiver, depart, I will no longer have thee to reign 



Again, in a subsequent page he says : — " Lasl 
evening 1 escaped temptation. I struggled hard with 
Satan; but he has followed me all the day, and I 
feel he is still warring against me, still tempting me 
with his baits, shewing how pleasant they are." — 
And then, in a spirited apostrophe, he adds: — u But, 
Satan, thy pleasures leave a sting behind in my con- 
science. I do not wish to do any thing in secret, 
which I should be ashamed to declare openly.' I have, 
through the blessing of God, a good character, and 
I do not wish to stain it; so, in the strength of Jesus, 
I command thee to depart ; let me alone, I desire to 
have nothing to do with thee." Then addressing 
himself to God, he adds : — " And, gracious Lord, if 
thou wilt pardon me, give me the inexpressible plea- 
sure of seeing this right eve plucked out. I bless 
thee if this sin is dying; but I could wish to part 
with it at once. Help me to lead an exemplary life, 
to display a holy conduct, and to be devoted to thee, 
body, soul, and spirit." 

Afterward, in a strain nearly approaching to rail- 
lery, and which will probably be deemed too fami- 
liar and almost excite a smile, he says :— " Alas ! 
Satan is very busy with me, insinuating his evil sug- 
gestions, distressing my mind, strongly tempting me 
to forsake God, and give up all religion. But stop, 



132 

Satan, thy service is hard, it wounds such a tender 
conscience as mine so severely, that I do not forget 
the pain for some time after. Besides, I owe so 
much to God. I must pay him at least some acknow- 
ledgment, if I cannot pay the debt; and this takes 
up so much of my time, that I have none to spare ; 
therefore, tempt me no more, it will be of no avail, 
when I have leisure, then I'll attend to thee.' , 

Sometimes, he felt himself tempted to indulge 
exalted ideas of himself; at other times, he was 
tempted to unbelief and despair ; but on all such oc- 
casions, he had recourse to the throne of grace, to 
implore help in' time of need. One evening, after 
giving an account of his conduct and state of mind 
during the day, he adds : — " I had almost forgotten 
to record one thing which is lurking in my bosom; 
and that is, the atrocious crime of unbelief. How 
often am I tempted to believe, that all which is said 
in the sacred volume is a mere fable. O Lord, let 
not this temptation overcome me; but clearly prove, 
by the teachings of thy spirit, that the salvation of 
Jesus is of great moment. My mind with a little 
reasoning, is soon convinced of it; but still the 
tempter will insinuate himself. Pardon whatever thy 
pure eyes have seen amiss ; take away my heart of 
stone, and give me a heart of flesh," 

Sometimes he had such humbling views of himself, 
that he was brought almost to the borders of despair, 



133 

Yet, even then, in imitation of the Saints of old, out 
of the depths he cried unto the Lord ; and the Lord 
heard his cry, and sent seasonable relief. One ex- 
tract from his diary, will suffice to exhibit him in 
such a state, to display the variety of feeling ope- 
rating in his mind, and to manifest the kindness and 
mercy of God, in hearing and answering prayer. 
" For some time past, what a state have I been in ! 
There seems no life in me towards God, but all es- 
trangement from him ; I have no heart in his service, 
but all is hypocrisy ; darkness seems to surround me; 
and I am apostatizing fast. Whilst in God's house, 
I thought, that, by not answering my prayers, he in- 
tended to try my confidence and patience; but since 
then, I have been reading the tenth chapter of 
Hebrews ; and how awful the truths there delivered ! 
I am led to suspect, that I have committed the un- 
pardonable sin against the Holy Ghost : if so, I must 
sink into despair ; for I shall then never obtain mercy. 
There is one thing which affords me some comfort ; 
I am not contented with being at a distance from 
God, and can find no pleasure in the world, equal to 
that which I have found in retirement." 

The above was penned on a Sabbath morning. In 
the afternoon he heard a sermon from Psalm xcvii. 
12. — a Rejoice in the Lord ye righteous/' in which 
the enjoyment derived from communion with God 
was illustrated. On returning home he writes thus : 
" I could almost say, these joys are mine. I can say, 
N 



134 

they once were, but now they are lost. My sins are 
so aggravated and heinous, that I am afraid God will 
not listen to me ; but that he intends to give me up 
to follow my own heart: and then I know I shall 
sink to ruin. But, notwithstanding this, I will pray 
to God; and prayer mixed with faith has never been 
in vain. If I perish, I'll perish at his feet." This 
was a noble resolution ; and it was not made in vain. 
He prayed, and the Lord heard the voice of his sup- 
plication: the dark cloud was soon dispersed, and he 
was enabled to rejoice in the light of the Divine coun- 
tenance ; he experienced the fulfilment of that pro- 
mise, ' at eventide it shall be light;' for on the even- 
ing of the same day, which to him had been a cloudy 
and dark day, he writes thus : — ci In the morning I 
felt dull, but now I feel alive : then 1 was on the 
brink of despair, but now I am led to believe that 
there is mercy with God; then I felt myself unworthy 
to address God, but I have been to him, he has heard 
me and conversed with me, my confidence has been 
in exercise, and I have said, ' I will net let thee go, 
except thou bless me.' I have felt my desiiea going 
out toward him, and have intreated him to prevent 
me from going astray again. I hope the ensuing 
week, will evince that my prayer has not been in 
vain. Amen." 

Such was the language, and such the conduct of this 
young saint, when under the hidings of God's face ; 
and in his spiritual conflicts with the great enemy of 






135 

souls. And who, that has had any experience in 
divine things, will not immediately recognise in him 
the christian warrior, contending not with flesh and 
blood, but with principalities and powers; and, though 
young, yet displaying a degree of courage, of resolu- 
tion, of holy skill and dexterity, in the use of his 
spiritual weapons, which may put to the blush many a 
veteran soldier. Tn the strength of Jesus, he grappled 
with his powerful adversary the devil ; and, though 
he sometimes fell, he arose again and renewed the 
combat, until at last he came off more than con- 
queror. 



HIS ATTAINMENTS IN RELIGIOUS KNOWLEDGE. 

By such a diligent attention to private, social, and 
public exercises, and by such a variety of experience, 
he was making fresh acquisitions to his stock of 
religious knowledge from day to day ; and his 
heavenly father was ripening him apace, for that 
state of glory, to which he was soon to be advanced. 
A few extracts from his letters and his diary, will 
show, that he had made no small attainments in the 
knowledge of divine things, both theoretically and 
experimentally. 

The following extract from a letter which he wrote 
to his mother, shows that he possessed a considerable 
degree of skill as a casuist. 



136 

" I would turn my attention for a while to subjects 
which relate to eternity, and converse about the con- 
cerns of an immortal soul: and which of all the ques- 
tions that arise in my mind shall I propose ? What 
more important than the following ? Have I been 
convinced of sin ? Have I obtained mercy, as a 
transgressor of the laws of God ? In examining the 
first question, I remark ; there are various ways in 
which convictions are wrought in the heart ; which 
may be proved by scripture and by observation. 
God's word speaks of some as drawn by the cords of 
love, and of others as brands plucked from the burn- 
ings. Some of God's ministers are sons of thunder: 
others are sons of consolation. From observation we 
find, that some are brought to repentance by means 
of a gospel ministry ; others by means of religious 
conversation ; others by a religious education. 

" These convictions are variously received ; by 
some with pride, by others with humility : by some 
with great terror and alarm, by others with self-con- 
demnation. If we wish to know whether this con- 
viction has ever been experienced by us, we must 
solemnly put the question to our hearts. As to the 
second question, Have L obtained the pardon of sin? 
how shall I solve this apparently hard question ? 
Whither can I have recourse better than to my own 
breast? Let me observe its workings; and I shall there 
find perhaps some emotions, which will decide the 
question beyond all doubt. And, Oh ! what views 



137 

will then open; what pleasures will be then expe- 
rienced ! If I am sure of having obtained the favour 
of God, I am then safe for time and eternity. And 
how shall I prove this important point ? Why should 
God give me holy desires, if he had not something in 
view for me ? He would not create desires, if he did 
not intend to fulfil them. If I desire to serve hira 
here, to live to his glory, to enjoy communion 
with him, surely he will not deny me the fulfilment 
of these desires," 

In a subsequent letter he expresses himself in a style, 
which might characterize the aged, the long experien- 
ced christian, instead of the young stripling just setting 
out in the ways of God. " Oh ! that my prayers were 
answered ; and I hope they are answering; that while 
we travel through the desert, we may have the pre- 
sence of God with us ; and especially at the end of 
our journey, and at the dread tribunal. There may 
we meet our elder brother, be reckoned among the 
jewels of God, and have an abundant entrance admi- 
nistered unto us into his- everlasting kingdom of 
glory, may neither of us who have met at a throne 
of grace below, be missing before the throne of glory. 
Gh ! let us take earnest heed to the things which 
make for our peace; whilst it is called to-da3'. Let 
us animate and encourage each other to bear trials 
and afflictions ; for we need to be reminded, that our 
light and momentary afflictions shall work out for us 
a far more exceeding, and an eternal weight of glory, 
» 3 



138 

What that weight of glory will be, who can tell ? 
Eye hath not seen, ear heard, nor has it entered into 
the heart of man to conceive what it is. This we 
know, that there we shall never sin ; never forget 
God ; never neglect his ordinances ; our love will 
never be cold, our affections lukewarm, or our faith 
wavering; there we shall never feel any pride in our 
hearts ; all will be unity. Oh ! from what a burden 
shall we be released. Then we shall have no wander- 
ing thoughts, no vile ideas, no tide of corruption to 
stem, no sorrowing for sin ; all will be full of perfect 
"bliss. There we shall enjoy our friends ; and all will 
be mutual love. There we shall be advancing in 
knowledge ; and there we shall sing more sweet, 
more loud, and Christ shall be our song. What a 
delightful place ! what a noble situation ! and, what 
adds to its pleasures is, there they shall have no end. 
I almost wish I was there; so many temptations 
assail me, I am afraid of falling ; I wish 1 was 
escaped from them all ; oh ! let me flee to Christ, the 
rock of ages, that 1 may find relief, and a foundation 
on which to build, never to be shaken by any 
storm." 

In another letter he addresses his mother in a 
similar strain :— " It was but a few days ago, whilst 
I was reading a mother's last charge to her children, 
that a question arose in my mind, whether I should 
meet my parents in heaven or not ? a subject which 
sometimes raises my soul to raptures; and at others 



139 

causes my blood to run cold. I shall endeavour to 
write a few lines on this subject. But is it not pre- 
sumption in me, thus to write to those who are better 
acquainted with the subject than I am? But though 
it may be so, I know it will be forgiven when I say, 
that I thus write in order to accustom my mind to 
such contemplations; that I may try her wings, and 
thus gradually attain strength sufficient to enable me 
to soar. 

Heaven! what does it imply? The presence of 
God: aud this short sentence comprises all the joys 
of its inhabitants. How soon the mind loses herself 
in these contemplations! It inquires, owing to the 
narrowness of its capacities, how are they clothed, 
lodged, and fed ? We are informed from that sacred 
volume, the Bible, that they are clothed in the righ- 
teousness of Christ ; lodged in houses not made with 
hands; and fed by contemplating the divine nature, 
by doing the will of God, and conversing with him 
face to face. The christian, when faith is in lively 
exercise, can sometimes realize an angel's joy, though 
not to such a degree. He trusts at some future pe- 
riod, to be clothed with the spotless robe of righteous- 
ness, and to shine as one of the happy spirits above. 
What reason have we to mourn, that our hearts are 
so closely united to this world, and our affections so 
groveling; that we so frequently need to be reminded 
of the love of Christ in dying for us, of the hour of 
death, which is the gate that leads to the sublimest 



140 

joys ; where we shall have a nature free from every 
imperfection, fitted to serve him with the greatest 
alacrity, and to converse with him without any mix- 
ture of sin. The consideration of such joys, makes 
me long to be a partaker of them. I begin to anti- 
cipate the joys of heaven, where I shall serve God 
with the greatest delight, have my eyes for ever fixed 
on him, and be rising higher and higher in intellec- 
tual attainments. This inspires me with fresh courage. 
But, should I meet my clear parents there, how would 
my joy be increased ? God grant that we may never 
be separated, in the world which is to come." 

Having heard a sermon from Isaiah xl. 11. " He 
shall feed his flock like a shepherd," the following ex- 
cellent reflexions were written in his diary : " What 
a compassionate Saviour,, to gather the lambs in his 
arm, and carry them in his bosom ! am I one of these 
innocent lambs? Methinks I see him gathering me 
with his arms when I was young; and how has he 
carried me in his bosom ! Ah L he has kept me near 
his heart ! he has remembered, and does still re- 
member me : Oh ! may I love this- good shepherd ; 
and though unable to speak, may 1 look up with an 
eye that shall declare my love to him. Hast thou 
led, or carried me hitherto r Oh ! take now my heart; 
seal it, and secure it to thyself. Let not the world 
open it; nor let it open to the world: make it one 
with thine. As I enter on this week, let me be de- 
fended by thee my shepherd ; take care of me, feed 



me with living bread and water. Into thy arms I 
drop, and on thy bosom I repose." 

What extent of observation, what depth of expe- 
rience, what solidity and propriety of expression do 
these extracts display ! he must have read much, 
thought accurately, and felt deeply ; and, though 
young in years, he was old in knowledge, and was 
ripening apace for that brighter and better world, 
the joys of which he anticipated and described in 
such glowing colours. 



!4£ 
CHAPTER VII. 

HIS LAST ILLNESS, AND DEATH. 

We are now approaching a very interesting, and 
a mournfully pleasing period, in which we are called 
to contemplate him in his last illness and death ; and 
here no cloud arises to, obscure the lustre of his cha- 
racter, which through life had shone with such a 
constellation of excellencies. On the contrary, like 
the sun, his close is brilliant and glorious ; and if an}' 
regret be excited, it will be, that the world was so 
soon deprived of so much goodness and excellence; 
of a character endowed with so many, and such rare 
virtues; who, if spared, would have proved a real 
blessing in every relative situation, an honour to his 
profession, and a bright ornament to religion. But 
death was commissioned to summon him away at an 
early period ; yet though he came soon, he did not 
come unexpectedly, or to one unprepared. Thesubject 
of death was one, with which, by frequent meditation, 
he rendered himself quite familiar. He appeared at 
times to have something like a presentiment of an 
early dissolution; and often spoke of the probability 
of dying whilst young. In a letter to his mother, 
soon after he first left home, he says : — " Whilst I 
am speaking of the approach of others to the house 
appointed for all the living, may I look to myself, 



143 

and prepare to meet my God. I intreat you not to 
make me your God : do not place too much confi- 
dence in any creature ; for in an hour when I think 
not, the son of man may come. God grant, that 
none of us may be as the foolish virgins, who had no 
oil in their lamps/' 

In another letter, having heard of the death of two 
persons, one in the middle stage of life, and the 
other at an advanced age, he says: — " The subject 
which occupies my pen is death, that universal mo- 
narch, who sways his sceptre over all the sons of 
Adam without control ; over the king who sits on a 
throne, as well as the inhabitant of the meanest 
cottage. He shoots his arrows apparently at ran- 
dom, not seeming to choose his victims. It is of the 
utmost consequence to those who are wounded by 
them. We should each ask ourselves these questions, 
seeing the arrows of death are flying so promiscu- 
ously around me, and falling upon one and another, 
should one fall upon me, am I prepared to stand 
before the tribunal of a righteous God, whose laws 
I have violated ? After proposing such a question, 
and having examined our hearts, I have no doubt 
hut that each of us would answer, if the hand of 
death were upon us, oh ! spare me a little longer, 
that I may be enabled to stand before the scrutinizing 
eye of my offended Judge." 

After having heard a sermon from those triumphant 



144 

words of the apostle. 1st Cor. xv. 55, " O death 
where is thy sting ? O grave where is thy victory ?" he 
writes thus in his diary : " If death is a formidable 
enemy, how shall I be able to conquer him ? I have 
but very little strength of my own : where shall I 
seek strength sufficient to cope with this great ad- 
versary? shall I despair of ever conquering him? 
Blessed be God, that he has provided, and will still 
provide for his people strength sufficient for the day. 
May I by prayer, obtain from God assistance in the 
article of death ; and may I be prepared whenever it 
shall please God to call me from this transitory state, 
this world of sin and misery. What a desirable thing 
is it to be a christian, who will be able to say, ' O 
death, where is thy sting ? O grave, where is thy 
victory?' Gracious God, grant that I may live a life 
devoted to thy service, that when it shall please thee 
to call me hence, I may say, come Lord Jesus, come 
quickly." 

On seeing a hearse pass by, he says : " Now, my 
soul, I call on thee with all thy powers to meditate on 
death, which ought to be a pleasing topic. This 
moment I have seen a hearse pass by, and I thought 
thus : thou hast conveyed many of the bodies of men 
to the silent grave, and to all appearance hast just 
conveyed one more. May death be more in my 
thoughts, and may I realize it more frequently." 

He would sometimes look forward to death with- 



145 

eut any dread ; and he would sometimes in imagina- 
tion place himself on a dying bed, and attempt to 
realize the views and feelings of such a solemn period. 
In recording the particulars of a sermon he had 
heard, he says: "Whilst the preacher was describ- 
ing a preparation for death, I was occupied thus. I 
supposed myself in a lingering disease ; I was parting 
with all my young christian friends, encouraging 
them to persevere, and to pray that patience and sub- 
mission might be granted me. I then imagined that 
one and another were visiting me, and I was exhort 
ing them about their souls. I could look forward 
with pleasure to the hour of dissolution, and had not 
a single fear arising within me ; 1 had only to reflect 
on the many hours I had spent upon my bed, when I 
should have been up improving my mind. These 
were the only painful sensations I felt ; with these I fled 
to Jesus and craved forgiveness. What reason have I 
for praise, that I should have been called so young, to 
know and serve the Lord in this profitable manner. 
Oh ! may a sense of his love remain with me. Into 
thy hands, as into those of my eternal guide, I fall 
either for life or death." 

He attentively listened to the* voice of provi- 
dence, and carefully improved its solemn dispen- 
sations. " I have this day," says he, " received two 
warnings. I have heard of a man being drowned, 
and of a woman found dead. Death's darts are fly- 
ing thick around me ; and I cannot expect to escape 



146 

them any more than others. Oh, that it were more 
my concern to prepare for death, as I know the cer- 
tainty of it; how foolish am I to trifle from time to 
time with such important concerns. Let me this 
evening examine if I am ready to die; and let me 
suppose that death were to visit me this evening, 
which may be the case; I cannot say he will not; 
then before I answer, let me seriously consider my 
state. The sins of my life are innumerable ; they are 
aggravated and very heinous; they have been re- 
peated again and again, and committed against the 
most compassionate father. How does this pierce 
me! much more, when this good God is still conti- 
nuing his mercies, and inviting me to return. This 
is my support : through a mediator all these mercies 
are procured. And would this gracious father still 
invite me, if he did not wish me to partake? Oh! 
no. Well, the consideration of the pleasure I have 
experienced in his w'ays, the grief I feel when [ sin 
against him, and my desires after greater holiness, 
almost assure me that my sins are forgiven. I feel at 
present that I could resign my breath : but I am not 
on a sick bed ; not feeling the pangs of dissolving 
nature; nor beholding around me weeping friends, 
and perhaps there may be in my heart a persuasion 
that, as 1 am in health, I shall not die soon : but I 
wish to banish this from my breast ; and I think that, 
if God should call me, if death were commissioned 
to strike ; with a reliance on Christ, and confidence in 
him, I could resign my breath with this ex pression, 



U7 

c Come Lord Jesus, come quickly !' Oh ! that I may 
be humble and resigned, saving, ( not my will, but 
thine be done.' I hope whenever the hour may 
arrive, I shall experience the light of God's counte- 
nance, and have 1 1 is hand to guide me through the 
dark valley of death. What a sublime consideration 
to think of a coming world. My ideas seem to ex- 
pand, and curiosity tempts me to desire the approach 
of death. Whilst here may I live an exemplary 
life j and at the hour of death display the privilege 
of being a christian, by showing to those who may 
see me, how a christian can die." The event will 
show that his desire was granted. 

In another place he writes thus : — " Young people 
are frequently cut off; and the sound of the tolling 
bell should remind us that we must die, and should 
lead us to ask, are we ready? Indisposition is still at- 
tending me ; may it make me more watchful and 
serious. Let me temper the vivacity of youth with, 
solemnity ; and when I hear of the death of others^ 
let me endeavour to place myself in their stead." On 
another occasion, he expresses himself as follows : — 
u During the past week I have felt my self indisposed; 
God has again been reminding me of mortality. 
What ! my soul, hast thou need to be reminded of 
this, when thou hast continually before thee the. 
death of others ? Yes ; these are disregarded ; and 
unless thou feelest affliction, thou dost forget that 
thou art mortal." 



148 

After having heard a funeral sermon for a 'timmbet 
of the church, from Psalm xxiii. 4, " Yea lliough I 
walk through the valley of the shadow of death, &c." 
he says: — " Oh ! my soul, try thine own state, pic- 
ture the terrors of death, set thyself on a bed of 
death, parting with all that is dear, and thus fami- 
liarize thyself with death. Oh! keep in view through 
each day this important thought; to-morrow is in 
eternity ; and before to-morrow's dawn, I may be 
there. With such thoughts lie down, and with such 
rise; and may God be thy helper and friend. Amen." 

After a long indisposition, during which he had 
not kept a regular account in his diary, he com- 
menced again with the following observations; — ■ 
" Some months have now elapsed since I wrote last ; 
the greatest part of which period has been spent in 
using means for the recovery of health, which, by 
the blessing of God, have been in some measure, 
though not altogether successful; there being still 
some symptoms of disease, which in the plainest lan-» 
guage remind me of mortality, and teach me not to 
be looking to future prospects, but to call home my 
wandering thoughts and turn them on myself. May 
I hearken to the friendly warning; and, instead of 
thinking of long years to come, be thinking on the 
most important concerns of my soul." 

With a sort of presaging mind, in a subsequent 
part of his diary, he speaks of the probability of an 



149 

early .death : — " To-day, I have had a loud call from> 
God to be more active and prepared, by the death of. 
an Ensign in the 13th light dragoons* who died of a. 
fever. Let me improve the melancholy event to my 
own eternal- welfare. Aged seventeen years,., and cut 
off! ! why am I spared ? why is God teaching me,, 
from the sufferings of others, that it may be my turn 
next,, but that 1 may embrace the precious opportu- 
nity to make my calling and election 3ure ?. My 
moments fly apace, and my years tarry not.. I may 
be looking forward to many years yet to come; but 
I may. be cut off in the midst, and when I least ex- 
pect it. Oh !: that L may be found watching ; may I 
live each day as though it were the last, near to God, 
and keeping his commandments; then death will. 
he a welcome messenger, the portal to everlasting. 
Wiss," 

Thus had our young friend for some time familiarize 
ed the idea of death ere he approached to execute his 
©ommission, and he was fully prepared to. receive the 
summons, and submit to the actual. stroke ; to him 
death presented no terrific aspect, no dreadful sting; 
but came with an angelVface, on an errand. of mercy. 

Possessing naturally a delicate constitution, he no 
doubt gradually undermined it by his incessant appli- 
cation to study, and his unwearied pursuit of knowledge. 
The energies of his mind,. and the ardour of his soul, 
were too great and powerful for the tender and delicate 
o 3 



150 

frame which they inhabited. The frail tabernacle 
was soon thrown down, and the divine inhabitant 
soon released from its prison of clay. 

The first obvious cause of the fatal disorder which 
terminated his useful course, was a violent cold which 
he caught in travelling from Weymouth to Ware- 
ham in a post chaise. It was in the cold month of 
December, the night was foggy, one of the windows 
was open almost all the way, he felt it extremely 
cold, and experienced a painful sensation in his 
throat. These symptoms, however, passed off in the 
morning, leaving a slight cough, which remained 
about three months, when at length it entirely ceased. 
On referring to his letters about this period, the fol- 
lowing remarks appear in one of them : — <( I have 
been attacked violently with a diarrhoea, accompa- 
nied with considerable pain in the stomach. I am 
happy to say that I am much better and recovering 
fast. The cause to which I refer this attack is, I was 
ill in the same way before I was at Poole, and when 
I left Weymouth I was scarcely recovered ; however, 
whilst 1 was with you, I found myself quite hearty; 
but, the Thursday that I came home it rained so 
much that I got wet. I changed my clothes as soon 
as I got heme, and found nothing of it, until the 
Tuesday following, when this illness first appeared. 
A clay or two afterward, I felt a sore throat, frequent 
shiverings, a slight pain in my head, occasional pain 
in my thighs, and my pulse indicated the presence of 



151 

fever. Such were my symptoms yesterday ; but, by 
retiring to bed early and sleeping late in the morn- 
ing, I am nearly recovered. But why am I so fre- 
quently afflicted ; and wherefore does God contend 
w r ith me ? — are questions which I ought to ask, under 
the slightest indisposition. We are too frequently 
apt to say, that sickness is occasioned by this and the 
other cause which are secondary forgetting to look to 
the primary cause, the hand of God. Afflictions are 
one of the many means which God employs to in- 
struct his children. Perhaps, if I examine myself, I 
may find the reason why God afflicts me ; but how 
mild his chastisements ! and how much mercy ming- 
led with judgment ! Oh ! for gratitude to God and 
man : may it breathe through all my actions." 

But, though the disorder was rebuked for a while, 
and even apparently removed, yet it soon returned 
with more violent and alarming symptoms, which 
demanded particular attention. He used every pro- 
bable means; he confined himself to a low diet, and 
took medicines adapted to the complaint, which had 
in some measure the desired effect, subduing the feb- 
rile symptoms, and leaving only a cough with easy 
expectoration. He was again capable of attending 
to business, and thus continued for some little time, 
at length his cough became very troublesome; and 
he was subject to violent head-aches, a pain in his left 
breast, tension across the thorax, perspirations at 
wight, a loss of appetite, and depressed spirits. In 



152 

consequence of these alarming symptoms, he was 
tinder the necessity of leaving AYeymouth, to try 
what effect would be produced by relaxation, and 
more regular exercise. At this time, he observed in 
a statement of his own case which he drew up, " I 
experienced violent perspirations, chilliness, pains 
shooting across my breast and in my shoulders, espe- 
cially when exposed to the heat: this pain seemed 
similar to a load pressing upon me, and I frequently 
lifted my shoulders to relieve it." 

Knowing, from the great interest his affectionate 
parents took in his welfare, that a disclosure of these 
symptoms would excite alarm, he for some time rathes 
concealed them, probably indulging the idea that 
they would in time be removed ; but when, instead 
of abating, they increased in an alarming manner, 
and his real state could no longer be concealed ; his 
parents sent for him home in the beginning of June. 
The following extract of a letter written to his 
parents, a little before he left Weymouth, will serve 
to show how desirous he was of giving as favourable 
a statement as possible, and of endeavouring to ap^ 
pear even somewhat jocular. 

Weymouth, June 14th, 1805. 
" Dear Parents, 
" According to your request, I write to inform you 
of the state of my health. Those violent head-aches 
with which I was afflicted, have by the hand of God 



153 

been removed, all that remains is a slight cough, 
attended with a languor both of my mental faculties, 
and of my corporeal powers, so that when I am in 
one situation I feel it painful to move to another; 
My appetite seems to fail rather as to meat, &c. but 
as to pastry I can do my part. My spirits are in 
general pretty even, not particularly high, nor re- 
markably low. My countenance, as I am told, is 
rather against me, having somewhat high cheeks, 
sunken eyes, and a thin face. Here's a description 
drawn with the utmost nicety ; surely you must have 
the object before your eyes, it is so well delineated ; 
and what do you say to it ? do you think it a comely 
person ? Is it like the picture of an Englishman, or 
of a poor Frenchman? I rather think you will judge 
it to be a striking likeness of the latter. There wants 
a little liberty from the cage, some of old England's 
fare, and good cheerful company. I should then in 
all probability regain what I have lost; but patience, 
oh, valuable grace !" — and then after expressing, in 
nervous, animated diction, his sense of gratitude for 
parental care and kindness, he adds : — " I feel so in- 
vigorated by writing these few lines, that I hope to- 
morrow to enter on my daily employment as usual ; 
to apply to the German language, &c." 

This attempt at jocularity, may at first be deemed 
unseasonable, and unbecoming; but, on mature de- 
liberation, it cannot offend the most grave and fasti- 
dious, when it is recollected, that it is not the play- 



154, 

fulness of a young libertine, sporting with alarming 
symptoms, and wishing to banish from his own mind 
all serious thoughts of approaching dissolution ; but 
the effort of an amiable, pious youth, not at all alarm- 
ed or anxious on his own account ; being well pre- 
pared for every event; but wishing if possible to re- 
lieve the anxiety and distress of fond parents. 

Soon after writing this letter, he left Weymouth 
in compliance with the wishes of his parents, and 
Went to Poole; but, being advised to go further in- 
land, after staying a few days at Poole, he left it, 
and went to Sherborne. Here, in consequence of the 
pressing invitation of his kind and valuable friends 
at whose house he stayed, he remained much longer 
than he at first intended, and during his stay gradually 
improved, alarming symptoms abated; he took a 
good deal of exercise on horseback ; and, in a letter 
to his mother, he said, " 1 am riding my consumption 
off; my pain in the breast has ceased; my appetite 
is good ; my perspirations are decreased ; and my 
cough much the same." 

During his visit to Sherborne, he rode to Bristol 
with a view to consult Dr. L* ## , an eminent phy- 
sician, whose advice he has recorded ; and, as it may 
be of advantage to others in similar circumstances, 
it is judged proper to insert it here. After having 
stated his case, Dr. L ## * thus addressed him : 



155 

u As you are come for my advice, I shall give you 
what I consider to be the best; which is, ' a voyage 
to the East or West Indies/ I mention this, because 
I consider it my duty so to do ; but this, probably, 
may be impracticable. I would then recommend 
you to return to Bristol for a few months, to drink 
the waters, and to take every possible care of your- 
self; to get rid of the cough, if possible, before the 
winter comes on ; and, even if the cough should 
leave you, you must be particularly careful of your- 
self. As to returning to business, you must give up 
all thoughts of that, and make your whole business 
the recovery of your health; considering yourself 
entirely as an old man, guarding against easterly 
winds and the cold of the evening, by warm clothing. 
And I would recommend you, if you are not capable 
of returning to Bristol, to get to Poole in preference 
to Sherborne, and there to attend to the following 
rules respecting your diet. 

" Take milk as frequently as you can. Make soda 
water your common drink. Regulate the quantity 
of animal food by the frequency of your pulse. Vege- 
tables you may eat as freely as your appetite will per- 
mit ; you may take a little malt liquor, but not of any 
strength ; and I would advise you not to touch wine 
of any kind. The treatment I would recommend 
you to follow would be : to take away about five or 
six ounces of blood, by which means you will ascer- 
tain if there be any inflammation existing, and be 



156 

able to regulate yourself accordingly. If you feel a 
pain in your breast, or any tension, apply leeches, a 
perpetual blister, or a seton. Use frequent horse ex- 
ercise, but beware of exposing yourself to the heat 
of the mid-day sun. Frequently go on the water, 
and aim at having a nausea produced by it." 

Having received this advice, he returned to Sher- 
borne, where he staid a few days longer, and then 
returned to Poole. After remaining there a few 
weeks, he pronounced himself quite recovered, and 
expressed a wish to return to Weymouth, which he 
did in August ; and, after his return, he continued 
for some time in tolerably good health. 

In a letter which he wrote to his mother, after his 
arrival at Weymouth, he says : — " I am equally as 
happy to inform you as you are to hear, that I con- 
tinue to enjoy my health. Depend upon it, as you 
have been so liberal, and still continue so, I shall be 
careful of myself. This morning, and every morning 
about twelve, I take some bread and butter, and some 
port-wine negus, as I find the wine itself too great a 
stimulus." 

In this letter, he gives the following extract of one 
which he had received from his medical friend in 
London :— " When I was of your age, my father, and 
other medical friends, thought I should have gone 
into a consumption , but, by wearing flannel next 



\57 

my skin, the alarming symptoms disappeared, and 
have not since returned. I should depend more in 
your case upon regular habits of living, and cau- 
tiously avoiding exposure to inclement weather, than 
on all the medicines to which you have access. I 
sincerely hope to hear from you now and then, as I 
take a much greater interest in your welfare than 
may appear from my backwardness in corresponding 
with you." 

In September he wrote a letter to his parents in 
excellent spirits : — " 1 am exceedingly well," says 
he, (i and in excellent spirits. I do not know when 
I have been in such a state of health as at present. 
I find no pains in my breast, nor any of my old 
symptoms, except my cough, which is by no means 
troublesome. My appetite is extremely good, and 
my stomach in proper tone, owing to a couple of 
glasses of wine after dinner daily, which washes down 
the food extremely well ; add to this, a glass or a 
little more before dinner, about eleven o'clock, and a 
little biscuit. You will find me quite red and plump 
in the face ; but what it is in the pocket, I commit 
to the shades of silence." 

On the tenth of September he attained his nine- 
teenth year; this was the last birth-day which he 
had to commemorate on earth. On it, as usual, he 
wrote a long letter to his parents, containing a review 
of his life, in which he says : — "On reflexion, I have 
p 



1,58 

reason to exclaim and say, 'What has God wrought V 
How wonderful is it that I am still alive ! How has 
life been preserved ! In how many instances has the 
thread of life been stretched, and ready to break ! 
but I am still alive. May the afflictions which I 
experience be sanctified, and may they deter me 
from sin." 

About this period he was evidently in a thriving 
state: his appetite was good, he ate and drank hear- 
tily, and the good effects were visible in his external 
appearance; hence, in a letter to his mother, he says: 
" Ah ! were you to see me now, you would think I 
sprung from John Bull to some purpose, bidding fair 
to be of his bulk; and, indeed, I do not see how I 
can avoid it with such fare. I am happy to inform 
all my inquiring friends that 1 never enjoyed better 
health than I do now." 

But these flattering prospects soon vanished ; and 
the pleasing hopes excited were disappointed; the 
deadly foe was yet lurking within, and the grim tyrant 
was marking him out as his prey. 

It happened soon after this, that his master was 
laid on the bed of affliction, was called to suffer ex- 
cruciating pains, and in his own apprehension, and 
in the opinion of all around him, he was considered 
in a dying condition. This circumstance made a 
greater demand on the sympathetic feelings, and the 



159 

personal exertions of our young friend, than his deli* 
cate frame was able to supply. He attended the bed 
of his afflicted master with all the assiduity of a faith- 
ful servant, and all the anxiety and feeling of an af- 
fectionate son ; besides this, the whole care of the 
business devolved on him. u I have already sat 
up with him one night," he observes in a letter, 
" and it is my turn again to-night. I assure you I 
am very anxious for his recovery, and I am much 
distressed to see him in such violent pain. I am a 
great favourite : he often speaks to me in the most 
endearing terms, as, c My dear Clement, may you 
never suffer what I do/ No one can do so well at 
times as Clement ; he likes me to be with him ; and 
so I am as much as possible. lam quite astonished to 
see him bear his pain with so much fortitude and re- 
signation ; for no one can describe what he suffers-: 
so far it is well ; but to speak on the precious soul 
and its state, I forbear." Then, after some remarks 
on the im potency of friends in alleviating pain, the 
influence of religion in supporting the mind, and the 
different views of the righteous and the wicked, in 
the hour of death, he adds : " This train of thought 
has naturally brought me to look at my own state> 
to consider what my feelings would be in death, and 
what would be my comfort. From this I have been 
led to you and my dear father ; and on surveying 
your, lives, at least the externals, I draw a happy con- 
clusion, that, shouid you go before me, you will be 
eternally blessed. However, each should try himself,. 



160 
and make sure work for eternity, as it is so impon* 



His master at length recovered, which was to him 
a source of inexpressible pleasure; but his extra ex- 
ertions, in consequence of this dispensation, proved 
injurious to himself. The effects did not immedi- 
ately appear; and, in two or three subsequent letters, 
he speaks of himself as well. But, in a letter dated 
December 19th, he says : — " Fearing that you may 
indulge too many anxious thoughts concerning my 
welfare, in order to relieve your anxiety, I this even- 
ing take up my pen, to inform you, that 1 am con- 
siderably better than I was on Tuesday last. Since 
Mr. B ## * was taken ill, I have also been unwell, 
owing, I imagine, to fatigue, anxiety, and suspense. 
This has so debilitated my frame, as to render me 
susceptible of the slightest impression of any pesti- 
lence that walketh at noon day. Being pre-disposedt 
by weakness ; contagion, as an exciting cause, laid 
hold of me as her prey, and produced that chilliness^ 
lassitude, and pain in my limbs which I have felt. 
But to-day, these symptoms have in a great measure 
disappeared. 1 have felt no pains in my limbs, 
very little chilliness, and I have kept my food down 
all day; my cough is rather better too. I manage 
as well as I can to take care of myself, knowing that 
I cannot give up at present, until I am actually 
forced. I hope this will not be the case; and I bless 
God that he is still giving me that portion of health 



16 V. 

which enables me to do my duty, though nob 
with that alacrity I could wish. Oh! what a mercy 
tohave a God to whom we can go, especially in ax 
day of trouble. I mourn that I have served God no 
more. I have neglected him, and still neglect him 
too much ; and, perhaps, these slight afflictions ara 
intended to remind me that God rules. How good 
is it to see a Father's hand in affliction, and to re- 
member he has promised, ' All things shall work 
together for good :' I am perfectly content under his 
chastisement,. and have submitted myself to his will, 
that he may do with me as seemeth to him good. I 
have sinned,, therefore I will bear the indignation of 
the Lord. However, these slight afflictions are not 
joyous but grievous. Should I be at all worse, rest 
assured you shall be informed of it ; so that you may 
be perfectly content." 

From that time, instead of getting. better, he grew 
worse. As it was impossible to conceal it from his 
anxious parents, with great reluctance he announced 
to them his real state, " Your solicitude for me," 
says he, " is truly great; your expressions of love 
and affection very strong ;. and the acts to .-which 
these urge you plainly evince the feelings of pa- 
rents. It being your desire that I should inform 
you of my state, I must acquiesce, though, at the 
same time, 1 must say I had much rather not. I am 
sorry to say I am not better, but much in the same 
state as wheayou saw me. However, T have taken 

p 3 



162 

every precaution to prevent myself from getting 
worse, and so far have succeeded. As to warm cloth- 
ing, I am covered all over in flannel. I shall be 
happy to have an interview with you on Friday next, 
when I hope I shall be considerably better, so as to 
render my leaving Weymouth unnecessary; as I 
should be extremely sorry to quit at this juncture; 
but I shall leave all between you and Mr. B ### . 

This was the last letter which he wrote at Wey- 
mouth. His parents on seeing him found him very 
ill ; much worse than they had reason to expect, 
from the strain of his letters. He was so weak that 
he could hardly walk, or even stand. The disorder 
had taken such a firm hold, as to baffle all the effects 
of medicine; and even his food failed to afford nou- 
rishment. They, therefore, strongly urged his leaving 
Weymouth, and going with them to Poole, to which, 
with reluctance, he yielded assent. 

On going home, he at first took much exercise on 
horseback, of which he was very fond ; but he was 
soon rendered incapable of this kind of exercise: his 
disorder increased, his whole frame was debilitated, 
and a general lassitude and inactivity rendered the 
least exertion too much. In this state his parents 
were again advised to take him farther inland, for a 
change of air, which they accordingly did; and about 
the beginning of March he went to Sherborne, but 
the change produced no effect. The decree had gone 



163 

forth, Death had received his commission, and the 
time was rapidly advancing, when he was to strike 
the blow. Instead of perceiving any alteration for 
the better, he gradually grew worse, and at length 
the solemn hour arrived, which was to end his mortal 
career, and blast the hopes of his fond parents. 

Being naturally modest and diffident, he did not 
say much during his last illness ; but what little he 
did say, was expressive of cheerful resignation to the 
Divine will, and humble confidence in the Divine 
favour. He waited his approaching dissolution with 
calm composure. One day he said to his mother, 
" I shall die soon." She replied, " The time is not 
known to us." But he insisted on it that he should 
die soon, and said, " How do you think you shall 
bear it ;" and on her answering, " She was afraid 
she should not submit to the will of God as she 
ought, he exhorted her not to grieve above measure. 
" Reasonable grief," said he, " is allowed, and I 
wish you to tell papa so." On another occasion he 
said, " I am afraid you have been making an idol of 
me, and that you worship me instead of the Creator. 
See now," he continued, " what God is about to do; 
he will take me away that you may worship him." 
To this his mother replied, t€ that they could not 
help loving him, he had always been such a dutiful 
child." 

On going into his room one morning, his mother 



164 

asked him if he had slept during the past" night ; his 
reply was: " No, sleep has been a stranger to me 
these two months past ; but I have had a pleasant 
night; I have been in communion with my God 
during the greater part of the night. I do not know 
when I have enjoyed so much of his presence." An- 
other morning he said : " I have been examining 
myself as to the evidence I have of being a Christian, 
and I can say, I love God, I love his people, his 
house, and ordinances." On another occasion he 
exclaimed, rt Oh, I am a sinner!" His mother re- 
plied, " T believe you are a pardoned one." He 
said, " Oh, but there are daily transgressions to be 
repented of. I sin in thought, word, and deed." 
His mother directed his attention to the Saviour, as 
an intercessor for his children, adding, " I believe 
you are one of his children." He replied, " That is 
all my comfort. I rely on Jesus, and I believe I shall 
be happy when I die. Then T shall see Jesus face to 
face:" he exclaimed with astonishment — "What! 
face to face!" Yes. 

i Ob, glorious hour ! Ob, blest abode ! 

I shall be near, and like my God; 

And" flesh and sin no more control 

The sacred pleasures of the soul.' Watts. 

He frequently expressed, on his dying-bed, his 
gratitude to his parents, for giving him a religious 
education, and said, " Oh, that all parents would 
bring up thek children in such a way; that, instead 



165 

of allowing them to follow a vicious and licentious 
course, they would habituate them to reading the 
Scriptures, and to devotional exercises." 

On the morning of his departure, just before his 
death, he said to his mother : " 1 am lying at the 
feet of Jesus as a sinner, for his righteousness to clothe 
me : there I am now." These were the last words he 
was heard to utter : he soon after fell asleep in Jesus, 
about two o'clock in the morning of the 19th of 
March, 1806, aged nineteen years and six months. 

The feelings of his parents, when they found them- 
selves bereft of such a child, and their only one, can 
better be conceived than expressed. In a letter ad- 
dressed to the Reverend Dr. Cracknel], his afflicted 
mother expressed herself thus: "Oh! my friend, 
pray for me, that my faith may not fail ; and that I 
may be as clay in the hands of the potter, and be 
submissive to his will. This is a trial to my graces 
indeed; to part with a most dutiful child, one who 
never offended, and who promised us the greatest 
comfort. But here I must hold. Are we not called 
to pluck out a right eye, or part with a right hand? 
How often have I given him to God in prayer, to do 
with him as seemeth good in his sight ! Now, at 
times, I am almost sinking into the earth with grief. 
May I be enabled to say with Job, ' The Lord gave, 
and the Lord hath taken aw r ay ; blessed be the name 
of the Lord.' 1 find this to be a hard lesson j and 



166 

yet I cannot wish him from where he is. Oh! may 
I be prepared to go to him. I must hear the indig- 
nation of the Lord, for I have sinned against him : 
he seems to chastise me with one hand, and to pre- 
sent mercies with the other. ' Though he slay me, 
yet will I trust in him.'" 

In similar strains his affectionate father gave vent 
to his feelings, in a letter addressed to the same 
friend, stating the poignant grief he felt on reviewing 
his writings, accompanied with the recollection of 
his many excellencies, and the thought that he 
should see his face no more. 

A friend at Sherborne, who was requested to inform 
his worthy pestor of his death, wrote thus : — " Our 
dear young friend, Mr. Clement, was dismissed from 
his earthly tabernacle this morning about two o'clock. 
Since he has been here, he has not been able to say 
much, but has evidently been in a happy frame of 
mind ; and yesterday morning he was enabled to say 
more to his mother than he had at all, in which his 
hope and comfort seemed to be built on the right 
foundation, Jesus Christ. His mother has been 
wonderfully supported. Our dear friend desired his 
thanks to you for your kind letter, aud to say that it 
afforded him much comfort." 

His medical adviser in London, of whom mention 
has been, made already, who in various ways mani- 



167 

fested his attachment to our young friend, and had 
excited considerable expectations as to future pros- 
pects, on hearing of his death, wrote a letter of con- 
dolence to his weeping mother, of which the following 
is a copy : 

" March 24, 1806. 

a DEAR MADAM, 

" I have received this day a me- 
lancholy letter from Mr. Cracknell, which now lies 
before my dear wife, bathed in {ears. How unex- 
pected ! but doubtless well ordered, and infinitely 
better for your son, than to have lived a few years 
longer in a dying world. We loved him ver}' sin- 
cerely. He was truly amiable, and we reckoned on 
the time when he was to have come to London ; but 
our Heavenly Father has disposed of him far, very far, 
better, than we could have done : our plans are frus- 
trated, but our loss is the young man's gain. I know 
you are looking forward, with an humble hope, to 
meet him above : and, perhaps, he may even now be 
desiring your admission into the regions of bliss, 
where is no sin, no bodily pain, nothing to alloy the 
fruition of Jesus. I cannot pretend to suggest topics 
of consolation to a Christian parent, who loves and 
reads the Bible; for there is balm for every wound, 
a bottle for every tear. 

" My dear Madam, excuse this freedom in writing 
a word of condolence. We do most truly condole 
with you; but we are confident you do not sorrow as 
those who have no hope, in a brighter world- 



168 

" May the Lord uphold and comfort both you and 
your partner under so mysterious a dispensation. 
What now may be dark and mysterious to you will 
soon be seen as the result of infinite love and mercy. 
To God be praise for all his dealings ; even for those 
which we, poor, short-sighted mortals, are too apt to 
think severe, and unlike the dealings of a parent. All 
is done in wisdom to perishing worms, and all shall 
work together for good to them that love him. 

<e Remember us affectionately to Mr. C. We com- 
mend you both to God. Yours, 

ti #### > '> 

The solemn event was improved in several 
funeral discourses. Mr. Weston, of Sherborne, 
preached from 2 Tim. iii. 15. "And that from a 
child thou hast known the holy Scriptures/' &c. &c. 
Mr. Durant, of Poole, preached from the same 
words ; and his esteemed pastor improved the afflic- 
tive event at Weymouth, to a crowded and deeply 
affected auditory. 



169 



CHAPTER VIII. 

REFLEXIONS. 

Thus died our excellent young friend ; and, as he 
had been much loved in life, so he was much lamented 
in death. His loss was deeply felt in the circles in 
which he moved ; but what was loss to his friends 
was to himself infinite gain. " Mark the perfect 
man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man 
is peace." 

In the preceding pages, an attempt has been made 
to give a full and an accurate display of the character 
of young Clement, not without a hope that the con- 
templation of it may excite a desire, in the breasts 
of those youth into whose hands these memoirs may 
fall, to imitate the character here exhibited, which 
is so lovely in itself, so closely connected with per- 
sonal enjoyment and relative usefulness: and one 
which is capable of standing the test in the solemn, 
important hour of death. 

Such a character as that of our departed young 
friend is truly amiable in itself; and it may always be 
contemplated by the moral observer with real satis- 
faction. It is almost impossible for any one, who 



170 

possesses the least degree of moral sensibility, who is 
not lost to all perception of what is becoming and 
excellent in human conduct, to rise from the con- 
templation of such a character, without feeling a 
wish to be like him, and making some effort to attain 
similar excellence. What parents can peruse his 
filial character, without wishing that their sons might 
become such, displaying equal affection, gratitude, 
and dutiful submission ? What person capable of re- 
lishing the refined delights of friendship, can peruse 
his social character, without saying, Oh ! that I had 
such a friend ; one so sincere, so ardent, so full of 
sympathy, so prompt to afford aid in seasons of 
need ? In examining his professional character, what 
youth, possessing a spark of emulation in his breast, 
will not find his ardour enkindled by contemplating 
his zeal and diligence in pursuit of scientific im- 
provement? What master but must devoutly wish to 
have young men possessing a large portion of his 
spirit? The lover of knowledge, in pursuit of general 
information, may learn some valuable lessons respect- 
ing the oeconomy and improvement of time. And 
the pious youth may find himself rouzed, assisted, 
encouraged, and directed, by viewing him in his 
closet, in the church, and in the world, and perceiving 
how his religious principles operated ; what were the 
causes of occasional mental depressions and anxious 
forebodings, and what the sources from whence he 
derived those high enjoyments, of which he was 
sometimes the subject. 



171 

la the perusal of the preceding pages, it may be 
seen how it is possible to unite diligence in business 
with fervour of spirit in the service of the Lord, and 
how much the union conduces to personal enjoy- 
ment. Our young friend was a pattern of diligence 
to all students and apprentices. He pursued his 
studies, and discharged the various duties of a labo- 
rious profession with great punctuality and dispatch; 
but amidst his numerous engagements, he found 
time for things of supreme importance. He nei- 
ther made his worldly business an excuse for ne- 
glecting the duties of religion, nor, under a pretext 
of securing time for discharging the duties of reli- 
gion, did he ever neglect his worldly business. Each 
had its allotted seasons, which were punctually ob- 
served : in friendly union they advanced hand in 
hand, and conspired to promote his personal enjoy- 
ment. If, at the close of a day, he was obliged to 
confess that he had neglected, or but superficially 
attended to any of his duties, it was followed by a 
sensible depression of spirit ; but, if he could reflect 
on hours profitably spent and time diligently im- 
proved, either in the closet or in the shop, the recol- 
lection of this animated his heart and increased his 
felicity. 

As this union had a sensible influence on personal 
enjoyment, so it secured him the respect, the esteem, 
and love of all the wise and good. As he advanced 
in years, he grew in wisdom and in favour with God 



172 

and good men. He honoured God by a diligent dis* 
charge of the duties of life, and by a devotedness of 
heart to his service; and God honoured him by 
placing him high in the esteem and affection of all 
who knew him, and could estimate his worth. 

Let young men, who are ambitious of true honour, 
copy the example set before them. This will raise 
them in the esteem of all those whose approbation is 
worth possessing. The sons of sloth, the votaries of 
pleasure, the slaves of vice, the scoffers at true piety, 
the patrons of infidelity may sneer at such a charac- 
ter; but, to forfeit the esteem of such is more honour- 
able than to procure it; whilst the esteem and love of 
the wise and good are secured to every diligent and 
devout youth; these will advance his reputation, will 
dignify and ennoble his character. 

From an attentive perusal of these memoirs,, the 
reader will perceive how much may be effected by 
adopting a judicious plan, and by a vigorous prosecu- 
tion of that plan. Our young friend parcelled out 
his time wisely, and each hour brought with it its 
own engagements, at least so far as previous arrange- 
ment could be made. Contingencies will always 
arise, and disconcert the best arrangement ; still it is 
wise to adopt some plan, although rigid adherence 
be impracticable ; and this plan must necessarily be 
left open to alteration and improvement. Thus it 
was with young Clement ; he frequently varied his 



173 

plan, but never acted without one. Thus he lost no 
time in thinking what was to be done next. By thus 
acting upon system, allotting to each portion of his 
time appropriate duties, and conscientiously and di- 
ligently discharging those duties at the appointed 
seasons, he was enabled to set through a greater por- 
tion of reading in a shorter time than another, acting 
without system, could possibly have done. 

By thus parcelling out his time, he also learned to 
set a higher value on it. Viewed in the mass, it is 
generally considered as indefinitely long, and it begets 
carelessness and prodigality, supposing that what is 
not done to-day may be to-morrow, or the day fol- 
lowing; but when the indefinite mass is dissected, 
and each portion contemplated apart, together with 
its appropriate duty, the value of each portion is 
seen, and even moments will.not.be thoughtlessly 
squandered. In contemplating the character before 
us, it will be seen how he marked the several portions 
of time as they passed by; how concerned he was 
that each should be well employed; acd how soli- 
citous to rescue as much as possible from unnecessary 
sleep, and from frivolous pursuits. 

In our young friend will be seen the beneficial ope- 
ration of pious principles in every situation in life, 
particularly in that department he was called to fill: 
it imparted superior worth to his professional cha- 
racter, and enabled him to be more extensively use- 

o 3 



174 

ful. The importance of the union of true piety and 
professional skill in the medical attendant has already 
been adverted to: a character composed of this union 
is invaluable. True piety operating in his breast 
will beget sympathetic feeling with the sufferer, and 
insure that professional honesty, which will lead to 
the adoption of means most likely to effect a speedy 
restoration to health. Whilst it is readily admitted, 
that moral honesty may exist where true piety does 
not, and an indevout man may be conscientious; at 
the same time it is asserted, that a devout man must 
be conscientious from principle, and true piety will 
insure moral honesty. 

His acquaintance with the power of religion on the 
mind, and on the heart, rendered our young friend 
more extensively useful in the discharge of profes- 
sional duties : it enabled him to prescribe for the soul 
as well as for the body ; and whilst applying suitable 
remedies to soften the anguish of corporeal suffering, 
he could also be instrumental in binding up the 
broken heart, and assuaging the anguish of an ac- 
cusing conscience, by directing the attention to the 
Great Physician. In this he rejoiced, and he em- 
braced every suitable opportunity of doing good to 
the immortal soul. 

It is much to Le wished that more were like- 
minded ; but it is a notorious fact, that the great 
majority of medical men are strangers to chris- 



175 

tian piety ; and by far too many the avowed cham- 
pions of infidelity. The fact is not less notorious, 
than it is surprizing and unaccountable. Reasoning 
a priori, it might be expected, that a minute and 
comprehensive view of the human frame, would im- 
mediately lead the mind of the young anatomist to 
reflect on the Great Author, and to admire his skill 
as displayed in the wonderful fabric ; — that an ex- 
tensive acquaintance with diseases would induce 
genuine humility, and urge to an inquiry into the 
great cause of human woes; — that frequent visits to 
the house of affliction would soften the heart, and 
render it susceptible of deep impression ; — that the 
repeated scenes of a dying-bed would teach the ne- 
cessity of personal, timely preparation for the solemn 
hour ; — that the frequent baffling of human skill, 
and the inefficacy of powerful and approved medi- 
cines, which must have so often been observed, but for 
which no account could be given, would lead to an 
acknowledgment of a superintending, over-ruling 
Providence, would show the necessity of prayer to 
God for direction, and reliance on him for success.* 



* In what light our young friend viewed such subjects, and 
what influence they had on his own mind, may be learnt from 
the following extract. Writing to an intimate friend, he says : 

" Give me leave to speak on a subject which is the source of 
so much pleasure to myself, viz. the structure of the human 
frame. Do you think there is nothing to be gained by contem- 
plating this edifice? What can David mean when he says, ' I am 
fearfully and wonderfully made?' Surely the Royal Psalmist 



176 

But though ail this might be expected, observation 
and fact declare that this is not the ease ; but that 
only a small proportion are truly devout, whilst a 

would not mention this without some reason. No, my friend, he 
had great reason to express himself thus. If you knew as much 
as I hope I do cf the structure of the human frame, you would 
see the exact symmetry which is displayed, and you would be 
led to lift up your voice in grateful strains; you would be lost 
in wonder and astonishment, to think, that parts so delicate 
could be formed out of the dust of the earth, and even in the 
creation of one body, the wisdom and power of God are emi- 
nently displayed. But how little weight has this with the gene- 
rality of men ? Yet in nothing, except the salvation o f an immortal 
soul, are the wisdom, power, and goodness of God more dis- 
played, than in creating our bodies out of the dust of the earth, 
But, notwithstanding the body is so beautifully formed, yet we 
see it exposed to a variety of diseases and dangers, and at last to 
death. Let us inquire, why should such a magnificent structure, 
which displays so much of the skill of the Divine Architect, be 
left to decay in the manner which we so often behold ? And here 
is great cause for sorrow ; if we would know the reason, we 
must look back to Paradise, and see our first parents plucking 
and eating the forbidden fruit. From that fatal hour, those 
diseases which terminate in death, and all the evils to which 
human nature is exposed, date their existence. It was this 
which entailed on the apostate race of Adam so much misery ; 
here a separation took place between God and us; hence all the 
consequences which follow. Thus you see, beginning with a 
subject which at first, perhaps, appeared dry and insipid to you ? 
I am arrived at the grand source ftom which all our sorrow 
springs; and, if we take a view of the fatal effects of sin, espe- 
cially if we trace it into our own desperately wicked hearts, and 
obtain just views of our own depravity, we shall mourn, and be 






177 

large majority are strangers to real religion; and not 
only so, but some, alas, too many, are its open and 
avowed enemies. How can this be rationally ac- 
counted for ? Does it arise from early associations ? 
Does a perpetual attention to second causes induce a 
forgetfulness of the great First Cause ? Is it because 
the duties of the profession encroach on sacred time, 
and prevent a regular attendance on the means of 
grace ? 

That the existence of true piety in the medical 
character should be so rare, is matter of sincere re- 
gret : that it is not incompatible, is seen by many 
illustrious examples, amongst which we may place 
the one before us. Young Clement was truly pious; 
his piety had a practical influence on his conduct ; 
amidst all the duties and disadvantages of his profes- 
sion, it existed, it was displayed, it increased, it 
added lustre to his character, it secured him universal 
esteem, and it increased his usefulness. 

Let then the young candidate for professional emi- 



in bitterness, as one that mourneth for a first-born son. Would 
to God I knew more of my own heart, that I could judge in an 
impartial manner, and that I could prostrate myself at his foot- 
Stool, and confess my sins with deep repentance and unfeigned 
humility. May we make it a matter of daily fervent prayer to 
God, that he would help us to look within, and see our hearts as 
they stand in his sight.'' 



ITS 

nence seek the possession of true religion ; and instead 
of supposing that it is incompatible, and will prove 
detrimental., let him see and be convinced from the 
example here set before him, that true Christianity 
is highly becoming; that it is absolutely necessary; 
that where it exists and operates, it ensures present 
esteem, and will contribute to future eminence and 
success. 

Whilst his piety was thus displayed in the discharge 
of professional engagements, it also operated bene- 
ficially in his intercourse with civil society: it ex- 
panded his heart with benevolent disposition towards 
all mankind, and engaged him in doing good to all 
around him. But especially in religious society, in 
his capacity as a member of a religious community, 
it influenced him to the diligent discharge of every 
sacred obligation. In his respectful attention to his 
spiritual guide, in his regular attendance on the 
means of grace, in his fixed attention whilst under 
the sound of the word, his care to retain and digest 
it, his sympathy with afflicted, tempted brethren, and 
in his readiness to counsel and assist, he manifested 
much of the spirit of his Divine Lord and Master, 
and proved a valuable member of that religious com- 
munity to which he belonged. 

But above all, his piety afforded him solace and 
support through along and trying affliction, prepared 
him for the approaching conflict with the King of 



179 

Terrors, inspired him with unshaken confidence in 
the moment of dissolution, and, when heart and flesh 
were failing, it cheered him with the prospect of a 
glorious immortality. 

Is it asked, what were the sentiments he espoused? 
what the principles which produced so much excel- 
lence in life, and inspired with such confidence in 
death ? The answer is, they were the sentiments ge- 
nerally known by the term Evangelical. What, says 
one, such gloomy, such unsociable, such licentious, 
such absurd tenets, productive of so much excel- 
lence; such amiable and lovely conduct; such cheer- 
ful and rational piety ; such ardent desires to live to 
the glory of God and the good of mankind ; such 
unwearied effort in the pursuit of holiness ? Yes: it 
is even so. He believed in the total depravity of the 
human heart, and the utter inability of man to work 
out salvation, either in whole or in part; he depended 
on the complete atonement made by Christ, in whom 
he rejoiced as God his Saviour; he expected to be 
justified before God, through the imputed righteous- 
ness of Jesus Christ ; he saw the absolute need of 
Divine influence in the work of regeneration and 
sanctification ; but, whilst he relied on superior 
agency to influence his will, he was found diligent in 
the use of appointed means. These, and similar sen- 
timents, composed his creed; but, instead of ren- 
dering him austere, unsocial, or immoral, they pro- 
duced the direct opposites to all these, and rendered 



130 

him pure, and peaceable, and gentle, and easy to be 
intreated, full of mercy and good fruits; proving by 
this, that such sentiments belong to the wisdom which 
cometh down from above ; and that those who brand 
them as pernicious and absurd, understand neither 
what they say, nor whereof they affirm. 

Young persons of each sex, and of every condition, 
who may peruse this volume, are affectionately and 
earnestly solicited, not to lay it aside without in- 
dulging serious reflexion, and instituting a diligent 
self-examination. Let each ask himself, do I pos- 
sess that which gave so much value to the character 
here exhibited ? In my conduct to my parents and 
friends, do I display any thing of that warmth of af- 
fection, that ready subjection, that sincerity of at- 
tachment, which shone so conspicuously in him ? 
In my general deportment and pursuits, do I mani- 
fest any thing of that concern to improve my various 
powers, in order that I may become more extensively 
useful, which was displayed in the character before 
me ? With him, do I set a high value on time, and 
am I concerned to redeem as much as possible, and 
devote it to useful pursuits ? Above all, do I possess 
true piety ? is my heart imbued with religious prin- 
ciples and feeling? do I love retirement? do I de- 
light in perusing the sacred volume, and in pouring 
out my heart before God in prayer and supplication ? 
do 1 love the house of God, his ordinances, his mi- 
nisters, his people, and his ways?" 



181 

Such inquiries as these are at all times necessary. 
It is of great importance to form early habits of in- 
dustry, of ceconomy, and of regularity, in the affairs 
of this life. It is of supreme importance to form 
habits of early piety. This will be the best preserva- 
tive from youthful folly and vice ; the best solace in 
calamity ; the best, the only preparation for death. 
You may be called much sooner than you are aware, 
to hid adieu to earth, and meet the King of terrors. 
The purple tide of health may now be circulating 
with rapidity through your veins ; the lovely bloom 
of youth may now paint your cheeks; your eyes may 
sparkle with joy, and your heart may glow with 
generous feeling; you may be embosomed in the af- 
fection of a large circle of friends ; you may have 
the brightest prospects before you, and bid fair to 
enjoy a long, a happy,, and a prosperous life. But 
ah ! in an unexpected moment, this bright scene may 
be overcast; these fair prospects may vanish; some 
fatal disease may be commissioned to arrest the frame; 
the sprightly lustre of the eye may be followed by 
dimness and languor; the fine bloom of the coun- 
tenance, may yield to a mortal paleness; the once 
vigorous pulse may beat faintly, and irregularly ; and 
the nerves, which a while ago were firmly braced, 
may be unstrung ; m short, numerous and unequi- 
vocal symptoms may portend the speedy approach of 
death. Then what can support the mind, but a con- 
fidence of an interest in the saviour of sinners? what 
can enable you to look forward to the approaching 

ft 



182 

event with composure, with triumph, but a believing: 
view of future glory ? Such was the confidence, and 
such the views of our dear young friend ; and, though 
heart and flesh failed him, yet God was the strength 
of his heart, and his portion forever. Would you then 
be respected and beloved in life, confident and joyful 
in death, and happy through eternal ages? imitate 
the character before you, .be followers of him, who 
through faith and patience, is now inheriting the 
promises* 

Should any who sustain the important character 
of parents cast an eye on these pages, they may here 
see the happy result of pious parental instruction 
and example. It must be acknowledged that some- 
times pious parents, who have taken considerable 
pains to instruct their children, who have often 
prayed with them and for them, have, after all their 
care and pains, been called, with aching hearts, to 
weep over disobedient and ungodly sons and daugh- 
ters. But in general, where the scriptural precept 
has been diligently observed, " Train up a child in 
the way in which he should go," the predicted result 
has followed, " when he is old he will not depart 
from it." % 

This was eminently the case with the subject of 
these memoirs ; he was trained up for God from his 
earliest years, and, as he grew up in stature, the 
seeds of pious instruction, watered with fervent 



183 

prayer, sprung up, and present a lovely appearance 
on the surface, promising a rich harvest at the ap- 
pointed season. Some of the first fruits his parents 
were permitted to reap, as a reward for their care and 
pains ; they beheld in him a union of the most excel- 
lent moral and religious principles combining to form 
a lovely and useful character, the operation of which 
-was productive of much satisfaction and joy to his 
fond parents ; but as sometimes a tree covered over 
with blossoms, presenting a pleasing sight to the 
beholder, and shedding a sweet fragrance all around, 
in consequence of a killing frost, disappoints the 
expectations of the owner, so it was with our young 
friend ; instead of staving until the promised fruit 
•should be matured by age, he was taken all blooming 
from this wilderness, and transplanted into the 
heavenly paradise. 

Yet, during his short stay on earth, he was the 
cause of much felicity to his parents, who were in 
part rewarded for their attentions by returns of gra- 
titude, respect, affection, and obedience, and who 
had the heart-felt satisfaction to perceive, that their 
labour in the Lord had not been in vain, but that he 
became truly and eminently devoted to God. 

Let parents learn from hence, that if they would 
wish their children to become obedient, grateful, re- 
spectful, and affectionate, and thus be a source of 
comfort to them, it is absolutely necessary, and 



184 

highly important, to aim at imbuing their minds 
whilst young, with the principles of true religion; 
and if children are taught to fear God, they will not 
be wanting in reverence toward their parents : and 
if, as in the case before us, children should be re- 
moved at an early period, what can afford a pious 
and an affectionate parent so much consolation, as 
the firm belief that they were truly devoted to God, 
and prepared for death, and that death to them is 
great gain? Such considerations may serve to wipe 
the tear from the weeping eye, and to assuage the 
anguish of the sorrowful heart. Such a source of 
strong consolation have the parents of our young 
friend, being well assured that what to them is loss, 
to him is infinite gain ; that he is only removed from 
this lower world to move and shine in a higher sphere. 

When such valuable characters are removed at so 
early a period in life, it naturally leads the thoughtful, 
inquiring mind into a train of reflexions on the mys- 
teries of Divine Providence. God's thoughts are not 
as our thoughts, neither are his ways as our ways; 
he often takes away the young in the midst of health 
and of usefulness, and spares those who are worn out 
by sickness and disease, and who have outlived their 
usefulness. This is acting a part different from that 
which we should, did the decision rest with us, and 
were we the arbiters of life and death; we should 
spare the young, the active, the pious, considering 
them to be the salt of the earthy and calculated, by 



18.5 

their example and by their exertions, to do much 
good. But " shall not the Judge of all the earth 
do right r" Yes ; and if we could see as God sees ; 
if by one glance we could take in the whole plan of 
Providence, we should act as he does; but because 
we can see only a very small part of his ways, hence 
it is that some of his operations appear so myste- 
rious : but, though clouds and darkness are round 
about his throne, yet justice and judgment are the 
habitation of his seat; and, instead of summoning 
him to the bar of our finite reason, disputing the 
propriety of his proceedings, and charging him fool- 
ishly, it becomes us to bow with reverence, and adore 
in silence; to say, " It is the Lord, and let him do as 
seemeth him good," — "The Lord gave, and the Lord, 
hath taken away, and blessed be the name of the 
Lord." 

Yet we are permitted, with submission, to ask the 
reason of the Divine proceedings, and to form the 
most probable conjectures. When the All wise Dis- 
poser of events thus removes pious characters from 
the world, it is to them an act of mercy and kind- 
ness; and, perhaps, he who could read the book of 
fate, and foresee all possible contingencies, saw 3 that 
if the life deemed so desirable were spared, it would 
be to struggle with calamity, to be familiar with 
affliction, to be the companion of misery and woe ; 
and as the wise pilot puts the vessel into a safe har- 
bour before it shall be shattered in pieces by the 
R 3 



186 

winds and the waves; as the kind shepherd, fore- 
seeing a storm, previously houses the tender lambs; 
as the gardener removes the young plant when in full 
bloom> before the rude blast shall sweep over the 
surface, and lay it prostrate; so God sometimes 
summons from the world lovely and useful charac- 
ters, and by so doing he takes them from the evil to 
come. 

But, even on the most favourable calculation, sup- 
posing a prosperous life had awaited the individual, 
yet this world at best is an imperfect state, and to a 
truly pious character it is infinitely better to depart, 
and to be with Christ. Thus, whether prosperous or 
adverse days were in store, to die, and to die at an 
early period, is, to those who are prepared, infinite 
gain, and, therefore, such dispensations are big with* 
mercy to those who are thus removed. 

Such removals are sometimes to be considered as 
judgments on the world ; it is the removal of that 
salt which is to preserve it from corruption, of that 
light which serves to dissipate surrounding gloom, of 
those intercessors who often stand in the gap, and 
turn away the indignation of the Lord ; and when 
such characters are removed, it becomes survivors to 
inquire, " Wherefore doth the Lord contend with 
us ?" and to ask, " Is there not a cause ?" 

These dispensations are sometimes productive of 



187 

much good. Whilst common deaths produce but 
little effect, these are calculated to rouze the atten- 
tion of the most thoughtless, and to challenge uni- 
versa! sympathy. When the infant dies before the 
character had formed, and had risen into any im- 
portance in society, the impression made extends but 
a little way beyond the domestic circle. When the 
aged die, after they have retired from public life, and 
have survived their usefulness, such dispensations are 
not deeply or extensively felt: but when a young 
man is taken off in the bloom of life, especially if 
rendered conspicuous by his talent, amiable by his 
virtues, and useful by his exertions, such a dispen- 
sation rouzes universal attention, and excites general 
sympathy ; the uncertainty of life, and the vanity of 
the world, are seen and felt; the thoughtless are 
brought to indulge serious reflexions ; pious survivors 
are stimulated to greater exertion to work whilst it is 
called to-day, and oft-times the death of one is pro- 
ductive of the spiritual life and vigour of many, and 
thus the judgment is converted into a mercy. # 



* The compiler begs permission, by way of confirming and 
illustrating the above remarks, to refer to a late melancholy 
catastrophe, by which he was deprived of a much-loved pupil, 
and the Church of Christ of an eminent young minister, and by 
which a chord in sympathetic feeling was struck so forcibly, as 
to vibrate to the extremities of the empire. It is needless to say 
he refers to the death of the late Rev. T. Spencer, of Liverpool. 
His superior pulpit talents had raised him to an em. nence almost 



ISS 

We are allowed to shed the sympathetic tear over 
the early tomb of departed worth ; we are permitted 
to heave a sigh, and exclaim, u Alas, my brother!" 
u O Jonathan, my friend, how art thou fallen in thy 
high places J" " Would God I had died for thee, 
my son, my son!" Jesus, our bright example, subject 
as he was to all the innocent feelings of human nature, 
even Jesus commiserated the case of the widow of 
Nain, and restored her son to her embrace ; he also 



unprecedented in the annals of Church history, and that rare 
union of the most estimable qualities which existed in his cha- 
racter, had embosomed him in the affection of a very numerous 
circle of friends and acquaintance. No wonder that the mys- 
terious dispensation by which he was suddenly removed from 
earth to heaven, should have caused such a general sensation. 
Many who had never seen him, who had never been charmed 
with his eloquence, nor edified by his public ministrations, wept 
on hearing the mournful tale; and though much of the impres- 
sion produced too nearly resembled the morning cloud and the 
•early dew, yet, doubtless, in some cases, a permanent and a 
salutary impression was made. The writer is happy in having it 
in his power to state one pleasing instance of the kind. Being 
impelled, by a desire to testify his respect to the memory of his 
much-esteemed friend and pupil, to attempt an improvement of 
the. mysterious providence, the attention of one young person 
was powerfully arrested ; a deep impression was made upon the 
heart; a saving change was wrought in the soul; and that person 
is now become a respectable member of a church of Christ. 
This, it is to be hoped, is not a solitary instance; and thus 
events, which by us are deemed disastrous, are often over-ruled 
by God fur the most salutary purposes. 



189 

wept over the grave of his friend Lazarus, and re- 
stored him to his affectionate and mourning sisters. 
But ; whilst from the highest authority we are allowed 
to weep, it becomes us not to indulge immoderate sor- 
row, or refuse to be comforted; but, after the first 
ebullitions of grief have subsided, to sit down and 
listen to the dictates of reason, and, above all, to the 
declaration of the word of God ; to bow with pro- 
found submission to the will of Heaven, and seek to 
learn those lessons which such impressive provi- 
dences inculcate. We should be thankful that God 
is pleased sometimes to exhibit to the world, for a 
short period, such rare specimens of human excel- 
lence ; and, instead of wishing to detain them from 
their native skies, for which they are soon matured; 
we should cheerfully acquiesce in their early depar- 
ture, satisfied with the conviction that all is right, 
and that what is now mysterious will hereafter be 
fully explained. 

I know r not how to close these remarks more suit- 
ably than by quoting a few lines written by a lady, 
after hearing the funeral sermon for our young friend 
by his pastor. * 

" As when the King of Peace and God of Love, 
Sends down some brighter angel from above; 
Pleas'd and delighted with the heav'nly guest, 
Awhile we view him in full s;lorv drest : 



190 

But he, impatient from his heav'n to stay, 
Soon takes his flight, and wings his airy way; 
So Clement vanish'd, eager to appear, 
And shine triumphant in his native sphere." 



FINIS. 



J. Gillet, Printer, Crown court, Fleet-street, London. 



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